Manipur: 3 blasts damage bridge ahead of Phase 2 polling
A bridge in Kangpokpi district of Manipur was damaged by three medium-intensity explosions late on Tuesday night. This comes just two days before the second phase of polling in 13 assembly segments of the Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat. According to a security official, the explosions took place around 1:15am near Sapormeina in the district. No casualties were reported, but the blasts are expected to disrupt traffic on National Highway-2—a crucial link between Imphal and Dimapur in Nagaland.
No group has claimed responsibility for the incident
As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the incident, while an investigation is underway. In response to the blasts, security forces have cordoned off the area and are conducting inspections in the nearby regions and other bridges. To recall, the first round of voting in Manipur on April 19 was plagued by several issues, including gunfire, destruction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and allegations of coercion and intimidation.
Re-polling in 11 booths after Phase 1 violence
After reports of violence from several polling stations, re-polling was held in 11 booths within the I-Inner Manipur Parliamentary Constituency on Monday. Manipur CEO's decision also followed the directives of the Election Commission of India, which declared the initial polls null and void, amid the violence. Notably, on April 19, voting was conducted in all 32 assembly segments of the inner Manipur parliamentary constituency and 15 assembly segments of the outer Manipur (ST) parliamentary constituency.
Ethnic violence in Manipur
Manipur has been embroiled in ethnic violence that erupted between the majority Meiteis and the tribal Kukis last year on May 3 over the former's demand for ST status. Meiteis, who constitute 53% of the state's population, are concerned regarding the "influx of illegal immigrants" from Bangladesh and Myanmar. Meanwhile, tribals like Nagas and Kukis are worried about losing their ancestral lands. Over 200 people have been killed in the conflict, and over 50,000 have been displaced.
