IMPHAL: Three medium intensity blasts on late Tuesday night inflicted damage on a bridge in Kangpokpi district of Manipur, impacting traffic along National Highway-2, the vital link between Imphal and Dimapur, Nagaland.
While no casualties were reported, the incident has raised security concerns in the area, two days ahead of the second phase of polling of the Outer Manipur constituency on April 26.
Reportedly, the blasts occurred around 1:15 am near Sapormeina in Kangpokpi district, leaving the bridge severely damaged.
The resulting craters have hindered commuter movement, prompting restrictions on heavy vehicle traffic along the highway.
No group has claimed responsibility for the blasts, and investigations are ongoing, according to security officials.
The affected area has been cordoned off, with security forces conducting searches of nearby locations and bridges.
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In a related development on April 23, reports emerged of fresh violence in Kangpokpi and Imphal West districts, as armed assailants launched an attack from Phaileng Village under Kangpokpi district.
The attackers fired multiple gunshots, targeting the vicinity of Sekmai River, where labourers were engaged in their work.
The gunfight persisted late into the evening, heightening tensions in the area.
In response to the escalating violence, the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), Sadar Hills, issued a statement condemning the ongoing aggression, calling for swift action to restore peace and security.
On April 19, voters in the Inner Manipur constituency and certain areas of the Outer Manipur exercised their franchise.
However, the polling process was marred by significant disruptions, including reports of vandalism, instances of armed coercion preventing voters from casting their ballots, and allegations of electoral malpractice.
Subsequently, on April 22, fresh polling commenced in 11 polling stations within the Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency, bolstered by stringent security measures.
