Manipur: Suspected militants blow up PMGSY bridge in Kamjong, torch telecom vehicle; police launch probe

Suspected militants blew up a Bailey bridge over the Namban Lok River in Manipur's Kamjong district using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on July 22, severing the only road link connecting several villages to the district headquarters, police said.

According to police, the incident took place at around 9.30 am between Phange and Chatric villages in Kamjong district. The Bailey bridge, constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), was the sole road connecting Chatric and neighbouring villages with the district headquarters.

In the same incident, the attackers allegedly set ablaze a Bolero pick-up vehicle belonging to the Telecom Department, which was parked on the bank of the Namban Lok River. The vehicle was completely gutted in the fire.

Preliminary investigations indicate that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were used to destroy the bridge.

Police suspect the attack was carried out deliberately to damage public infrastructure, disrupt transportation and communication services, restrict the movement of residents and spread fear among the local population.

Officials described the incident as a serious threat to public safety and state security.

A suo motu case has been registered at CSD Police Station under relevant provisions of law, and an investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend those responsible.

No militant outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.