Ahead of phase 2 voting, blasts damage bridge on NH 2 in Manipur

The blast is seen as an attempt to cut off communications and transportation of vital goods and essentials to capital Imphal from the rest of the country.

With less than 48 hours to go for the voting in 13 remaining constituencies of Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat, 3 blasts damaged a bridge connecting Imphal – Dimapur on National Highway 2.

The bridge located between Saparmeina and Koubru Leikha in Kangpokpi district, is a part of the National Highway 2 which is one of the major lifelines of Manipur.

The route is used for transporting a major chunk of goods, supplies and essentials to Manipur.

As per sources, unknown miscreants planted 3 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) that blew off portions of the bridge leaving gaping holes in the bridge. The blasts took place late last night.

The blasts have come amid fresh reports of firing along the periphery areas of Imphal West and Kangpokpi yesterday that continued for hours.

Voting for the Outer Manipur seat is being held in two phases owing to the present situation in the state.

The first phase of voting for the 15 of the 28 Assembly constituencies that fall under Outer Manipur Lok Sabha seat was held on April 19. Polling for the second phase will take place on April 26.
There are 4 candidates in the fray for the Outer Manipur seat. The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has fielded K Timothy Zimik, a retired Indian Revenue Service officer. NPF dropped its sitting Lok Sabha MP Lorho S Pfoze and fielded K Timothy Zimik.

BJP did not field a candidate for Outer Manipur and extended support to Zimik.

The Congress has fielded former MLA of Ukhrul Alfred K Arthur.
There are two independent candidates – Alyson Abonmei and S Kho John in the battle for Outer Manipur.

The 15 Assembly constituencies of Outer Manipur which voted on April 19 are–Heirok, WangjingTentha, Khangabok, Wabgai, Kakching, Hiyanglam, Sugnoo, Chandel (ST), Saikul (ST), Kangpokpi, Saitu (ST), Henglep (ST), Churachandpur (ST), Saikot (ST), and Singhat (ST).

The remaining 13 Assembly constituencies which will go to polls on April 26 are– Jiribam, Tengnoupal (ST), Phungyar (ST), Ukhrul (ST), Chingai (ST), Karong (ST), Mao (ST), Tadubi (ST), Tamei (ST), Tamenglong (ST), Nungba (ST), Tipaimukh (ST), and Thanlon (ST).

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