Kamjong Bridge Destroyed in Suspected IED Blast, Isolating Over 10 Villages

Imphal, India Jul 22, 2026 ALN:  Police on Wednesday launched an investigation into a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast that destroyed a Bailey bridge in Kamjong district on Tuesday night, severing a crucial road link between Sahamphung Block and the district headquarters and cutting off connectivity to more than 10 villages.

According to police, the explosion occurred at around 9.30 pm on the bridge spanning the Namban Lok River between Phange and Chattric villages. The impact of the blast was significant, leading to extensive damage to the bridge. A pick-up vehicle belonging to the Telecom Department, which was parked on the riverbank below, was also set ablaze by unidentified miscreants. The destruction of the bridge has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of the local populace, as well as the potential for further violence in the region.

Constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the Bailey bridge served as the primary access route between Sahamphung Block and the Kamjong district headquarters. It was also the only road link for Chattric and several neighbouring villages. Its destruction has disrupted transportation and access to essential services for thousands of residents. The bridge was not just a physical structure; it represented a lifeline for the communities it connected, facilitating the movement of goods, healthcare, education, and emergency services.

The destroyed bailey bridge

Police have registered a suo motu case and said preliminary investigations indicate that the attack was aimed at damaging critical public infrastructure, disrupting transportation and communication networks, obstructing civilian movement, and creating fear among local residents. Such acts of violence are not uncommon in regions experiencing ethnic tensions or insurgency, where infrastructure is often targeted to undermine the authority of the state and instill fear within communities.

Some residents alleged that Kuki militant groups were behind the attack. However, the allegation could not be independently verified, and no outfit had claimed responsibility for the blast till the filing of this report. This lack of clarity surrounding the perpetrators highlights the complexities of the ongoing conflict in the region, where multiple groups operate and tensions between different ethnic communities often escalate into violence.

Investigators also recovered materials believed to be remnants of the explosive device, including debris found on a blue plastic tarpaulin at the site. Police have not yet officially identified or confirmed the nature of the recovered materials. The investigation will likely focus on forensic analysis of these materials, which could provide crucial insights into the type of explosive used and potentially lead to identifying those responsible for the attack.

Meanwhile, Khanuithot-Khon (Voice of the Naga Youth) strongly condemned the destruction of the bridge, describing it as the only alternative lifeline connecting Ukhrul and Imphal through Chattric village. This statement reflects the deep-seated frustrations and grievances among local communities who feel marginalized and threatened by the ongoing violence. The organization alleged that Kuki "narco-terrorists" destroyed the bridge with the assistance of Assam Rifles personnel. It, however, did not provide any evidence to substantiate the allegation, and there was no immediate response from the Assam Rifles.

The damaged pick-up vehicle

The organization said residents of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts had already been facing severe hardship over the past five months due to restrictions on movement along National Highway-202. The highway, a critical route for trade and transportation, has been under strain, contributing to a humanitarian crisis. Civilian movement on the highway had been restricted to designated time windows under armed escort, making the Chattric route the only practical alternative for thousands of people to access healthcare, education, markets, government services, employment, and emergency assistance. This situation has exacerbated the challenges faced by residents, who rely on these routes for their daily needs.

Claiming that the bridge's destruction had deepened the humanitarian crisis, the organization demanded an immediate judicial or independent inquiry into the incident. Calls for independent investigations are becoming more common in regions plagued by violence, as communities seek accountability and justice for acts that threaten their safety and livelihoods.

It further warned that any attempt to shield those responsible or delay justice would erode public confidence in the rule of law and further alienate communities already affected by the prolonged conflict. The implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate damage caused; they reflect the broader issues of governance, security, and community relations in a region that has seen its fair share of unrest.

In the context of the ongoing tensions in , this incident underscores the fragility of peace in the region. The destruction of infrastructure not only hampers daily life but also serves as a reminder of the underlying conflicts that continue to simmer beneath the surface. As investigations proceed, the local population remains anxious about the potential for further violence and the impact on their already strained lives.

Moreover, the incident raises important questions about the effectiveness of security measures in place to protect critical infrastructure. As the region grapples with various militant groups and ethnic tensions, ensuring the safety of transportation routes becomes paramount for the government and security forces. The ability to maintain peace and security will be crucial in restoring normalcy and rebuilding trust among communities.

In conclusion, the destruction of the Kamjong Bridge serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the residents of the region. As authorities work to investigate the incident and restore connectivity, the need for a comprehensive approach to address the underlying issues of conflict, governance, and community relations remains critical. The path forward will require collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure that the voices of affected communities are heard and that measures are taken to prevent further violence and disruption in the future.