In the wake of the Lok Sabha elections in Kangpokpi district of Manipur, three blasts rocked a bridge along National Highway-2 near Saparmeina on April 24 at approximately 1:00 AM. The incident occurred just ahead of the second phase of elections scheduled for April 26 in Outer Manipur. While there were no reported injuries, the blasts caused significant traffic disruption along the route, which serves as a vital supply line for essential goods to the Imphal Valley. Security forces swiftly cordoned off the affected area and launched an investigation.
According to security officials, the blasts occurred at 1:15 AM on April 24. Small vehicles are reportedly able to bypass the area and continue their journey, but larger vehicles and essential supplies are facing delays.
This incident adds to the ongoing tensions in Manipur, which has been grappling with ethnic conflict between the valley-based Meitei people and the hills-based Kuki-Zo people since May 2017. The conflict has claimed the lives of at least 220 individuals, resulted in numerous injuries, and displaced tens of thousands of people.
During the first phase of elections held on April 19 in Inner Manipur and parts of Outer Manipur, violence and booth-capturing marred several polling stations in the valley areas. As a consequence, re-polling was conducted at 11 polling stations of the Inner Manipur seat on April 22.
