IED explosion damages bridge in Manipur, days before phase 2 of Lok Sabha polls

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, days before the second phase of Lok Sabha elections are to be held in parts of the state.

The improvised explosive device (IED) blast occurred on the bridge between Sapermeina and Koubru Leikha areas around 12.45 am, a police officer said, adding that no casualties were reported so far.

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.