A crucial bridge on National Highway 2 in Manipur, vital for connecting Imphal with Assam and Nagaland, has been severely damaged in multiple bomb attacks by insurgents. The sabotage has not only left the bridge with manhole-sized cracks but has also stranded over 150 trucks, disrupting essential transport and causing significant inconvenience to commuters and traders.
The explosions, which occurred in Kangpokpi district, 45 km from Imphal, in the early hours of the morning, have raised concerns about the region’s security and infrastructure vulnerability. Mobile videos depict the extent of the damage, with engineers now assessing the structural integrity of the bridge before allowing traffic to resume.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but suspicions point towards insurgents aiming to hinder the movement of security forces and disrupt the transport of essentials. This incident adds to the ongoing tension in the region, marked by ethnic violence between the Kuki-Zo tribes and the valley-dominant Meiteis.
The recent attack on the bridge follows a pattern of violence in the area, with a little-known insurgent group, United Kuki National Army (UKNA), claiming responsibility for an ambush on civilian fuel tankers on National Highway 37 earlier in April. The heightened tensions have prompted condemnation from civil society groups, each attributing blame to different factions and demanding thorough investigations.
The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) has highlighted the strategic significance of the targeted bridge, emphasizing its role as a vital artery connecting India and Myanmar. As the authorities work to repair the damage and restore connectivity, questions linger about the underlying causes of the insurgency and the effectiveness of security measures in the region.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining peace and stability in conflict-prone areas, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to address root causes and foster reconciliation.
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