Bid to halt bridge construction thwarted
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 25 2024:
A large team of security and officials of state government went to inspect the ongoing construction of an RCC bridge over Manipur River in K Molnom village on Saturday but unable to reach the spot as large number of Kuki women blocked the road.
After a video and photos of the construction work on an RCC bridge over Manipur River in K Molnom village despite restriction by the government went viral on social media, a large team of security and government officials went to inspect the construction site and halt the work.
The team led by SDO Chakpikarong and accompanied by additional SP Chandel, Chakpikarong PS OC, Sugnu PS OC, Waikhong PS OC, BSF and Assam Rifles moved towards the construction site in the afternoon.
The team also brought one JCB to remove the constructed structure.
However, the joint team of Security and official was blocked by a large number of Kuki women before reaching Sinam village and they also piled up trees on the road to prevent movement of vehicles.
Despite giving repeated warnings to clear the road, Kuki women refused to give passage to the team.
The team stayed near the blocked road till late afternoon but returned back in the evening.
On the other hand, a team of media persons, who went to cover the incident, was stopped by 37 Assam Rifles at Serou Lamkhai.
Apart from detaining media persons at the spot from 3.41pm to 4.51pm, the AR side even brought out screenshots of news videos broadcasted by electronic media regarding construction of the RCC bridge in K Molnom village and demanded to hold talk on the matter.
Nevertheless, the media team was denied entry to Serou while citing non-approval from the higher authority.
When the matter of denial of entry of media persons to Serou was approached, Kakching SP Th Vikramjit communicated with the AR team deployed at Serou Lamkha to allow entry but the AR personnel denied.
Later, the media team was allowed to enter Serou only after being photographed together with the AR team when Kakching SP Th Vikramjit communicated further with the 28 Sector AR officials.
Notably, DC Chandel had on March 21, 2024 informed relevant officials to halt preparation for construction of an RCC bridge over Manipur River in K Molnom village while citing that the bridge would affect prevailing law and order situation in the state.
The DC even directed the Assam Rifles to help in halting construction of the bridge.
However, construction of the bridge continues despite the presence of Assam Rifles in the area.