IED explosion damages bridge on NH 2 in Manipur's Kangpokpi

IMPHAL: An IED explosion partially damaged a bridge on National Highway 2 in Manipur's Kangpokpi district early Wednesday morning, disrupting traffic flow in the area, according to police reports. The blast took place around 12.45 am on the bridge connecting Sapermeina and Koubru Leikha areas. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported so far.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered three craters and cracks on both ends of the bridge.As a result, heavy vehicle movement has been halted on the bridge, which serves as a crucial link between Manipur's capital Imphal and Nagaland's Dimapur.
Police personnel swiftly responded to the incident, cordoning off the bridge and initiating an investigation into the IED blast. Despite the damage, some two-wheelers were observed crossing the bridge on Wednesday morning.
The explosion occurred just hours after gunfights erupted between village volunteers from two warring communities in Imphal West district.
Manipur has been grappling with ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and adjacent hills-based Kukis since May 2022, resulting in the loss of over 200 lives and the displacement of thousands.