Just two days before the second phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections in Outer Manipur, three medium-intensity blasts rocked the state, causing significant damage to a bridge in Kangpokpi district on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday.
According to an Indian Express report, the incident occurred at around 1.15 am near Sapormeina, impacting the crucial National Highway-2 that connects Imphal to Dimapur in Nagaland. No casualties have been reported, however, the flow of traffic is expected to be disrupted as the area has been blocked off by security forces.
Also Read:Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2: All about polling date, timings, candidates and constituencies
An investigation into the incident has been initiated since no group has claimed responsibility so far. Security personnel have intensified efforts, conducting thorough searches of nearby areas and bridges to ensure public safety.
This latest disruption comes amid a backdrop of electoral turmoil in Manipur. The first phase of polling on April 19 was marred by gunfire, vandalism of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and allegations of coercion and intimidation, particularly in parts of the Inner Manipur constituency. Following these disturbances, 11 polling stations conducted re-elections on April 22.
In a letter to the Election Commission, Ramananda Nongmeikapam, the Joint Chief Electoral Officer of Manipur, brought attention to incidents of mob violence, booth capturing, and destruction of voting equipment during the initial polling phase. Additionally, reports emerged of an elderly man sustaining injuries from gunfire in Imphal East.
Tensions escalated further with subsequent gunfights reported at the border between Imphal West and Kangpokpi district. According to PTI, villagers descended from the hills in Kangpokpi, triggering heavy firing in the Awang Sekmai and neighbouring Luwangsangol villages.
The series of such incidents underscored the fragile security situation in Manipur, raising concerns about the integrity and safety of the electoral process.
