A bridge on the National Highway 2 in ethnic violence-hit Manipur’s Kangpokpi district was partially damaged in an IED explosion early on Wednesday, disrupting traffic movement in the area, police said.

The blast occurred on the bridge between Sapermeina and Koubru Leikha areas around 12.45 am, an officer said.

No casualties were reported so far in the improvised explosive device (IED) blast, he said.

Three craters and cracks on both ends of the bridge were noticed, the officer said.

Movement of heavy vehicles has been stopped on the bridge connecting Manipur’s capital Imphal with Nagaland’s Dimapur.

Minutes after the explosion, police personnel rushed to the spot and cordoned off the bridge, he said, adding that an investigation into the IED blast has been initiated.

Some two-wheelers, however, were seen plying on the bridge this morning.

The IED explosion occurred hours after gunfights broke out between village volunteers of the two warring communities in Imphal West district.

Over 200 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence in Manipur between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjacent hills-based Kukis since May last year.

A bridge on the National Highway 2 in ethnic violence-hit Manipur’s Kangpokpi district was partially damaged in an IED explosion early on April 23, disrupting traffic movement in the area.

Expressing its concern over the growing amount of violence in recent days, the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) demanded an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the incident.

The Meetei body also demanded the case to be handed over to the NIA by the state government without delay, to ensure justice for the affected 3.5 million residents of the state.

According to reports, this vital artery connects India and Myanmar, serving as a lifeline for the 3.5 Million local populace and also for trade and connectivity throughout Southeast Asia.

The COCOMI in its statement also stated- “Regrettably, this bombing isn’t an isolated event; a similar attack occurred in the Kwakta areas of the CCpur district border area on June 21, 2023. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously investigated the incident, leading to the apprehension of several individuals belonging to the Kuki community.”

The COCOMI in its press release also acknowledges the complex dynamics of the region, characterized by extensive opium cultivation, illegal village expansions, and an influx of undocumented immigrants from Myanmar.

In light of these grave circumstances, COCOMI demands an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the incident and the case should be handed over to the NIA by the state government without delay.

COCOMI condemn the incident at the highest level and calls for immediate justice.

On the otherhand, the Kuki Student body from the region has also promptly issued a press release condemning the incident.

Meanwhile, the tribal body who have condemned the incident, convened an emergency meeting calling all stakeholders, village elders and civil organisations post the explosion.