Construction of unauthorised bridge
Womenfolk block SFs, AR detains scribes
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 25 2024:
A large number of Kuki women prevented Government officials and security personnel from inspecting the purported and unauthorised construction of a bridge over Manipur River near K Molnom village in Chandel district.
The team went for inspection after videos and photos of the bridge construction in blatant defiance of Government restriction went viral on social media but they couldn't reach the site as they were blocked by Kuki women along the route.
The reporters who went to cover the development were also detained for over an hour at Serou Lamkhai by the personnel of 37 Assam Rifles.
The team went to dismantle the pillars of the bridge by taking heavy machinery (JCB) along with them as the construction of the bridge was started without taking any approval from the Government.
The team led by Chakpikarong SDO included Additional SP of Chakpikarong and Officers in-charge of Chakpikarong, Sugnu, Waikhong police stations and personnel of Assam Rifles and BSF.
It is reported that the team was prevented from advancing further by placing heavy objects and tree branches on the road near Sinam Khul by the Kuki women.
The Kuki women were warned several times by the Government officials and the security personnel not to block the road but they (the Kuki women) haven't withdrawn till late evening.
Some gunmen were also seen standing behind the Kuki women in different posts uploaded on social media although these posts could not be verified.
Meanwhile, two reporters who went to cover the incident were detained by 37 Assam Rifles personnel from 3.41 pm to 4.51 pm at Serou Lamkhai on the ground that they didn't have the approval from the higher authority.
It is said that the Assam Rifles didn't allow the reporters to go even after they got approval from Kakching SP.
They (the two reporters) were allowed to head towards Serou only after the Kakching SP contacted the Brigadier of 28 Sector.
The Assam Rifles, however, took photos of the two reporters and their vehicle before they were allowed to go.
It may be mentioned that 37 Assam Rifles personnel are posted at the area where the purported construction of the unauthorised bridge is going on.
The report of construction of a large RCC bridge over Manipur River surfaced in the public domain earlier this year.