Imphal: An unauthorised steel bridge worth Rs 3 crore spanning the Manipur River was inaugurated by locals in the state’s remote hill areas on Friday, amid limited media coverage.
Connecting Churachandpur and Chandel districts, which are predominantly inhabited by Kuki-Zo communities, the project was built without environmental or state government clearances, raising security concerns due to its proximity to sensitive cross-border areas.
The newly constructed footbridge, featuring a sign welcoming visitors as “Khulmi Lei”, was inaugurated at Salkhul village, a small settlement with around 45 families. The infrastructure connects Walkhu village in Chandel district with Singheu village in Churachandpur district.
According to initial reports, the project was entirely funded and executed by local residents from the Kuki-Zo and Hmar communities, with construction materials and essential items transported from neighbouring Myanmar and Mizoram.
While supporters of the bridge have highlighted its importance in improving local transportation and communication, state and intelligence officials have raised concerns over the absence of government oversight.
The unregulated nature of the crossing, located away from mainstream media attention, has fuelled concerns that the infrastructure could potentially facilitate unauthorised cross-border activities and trafficking.
Despite drawing the attention of both state and Central governments, authorities have yet to initiate any regulatory action or issue directions to halt construction related to the bridge.
As regional agencies continue to monitor the situation, the Rs 3-crore development remains a point of concern regarding border management and governance in the state.