Government officials, who came for an inspection after receiving reports of a bridge being constructed by ignoring the government prohibitions over Manipur River near K Molnom village in Chandel district, on Saturday could not reach the spot as they were blocked by a group of Kuki women on the way.
The officials came for an inspection after the media reported that the Kukis have violated the prohibition imposed by the state government on construction of the bridge, and resumed the construction.
Meanwhile, media persons who went to collect the ground report of the developing situation were halted by 37 AR at Serou Lamkhi for more than an hour.
The team of officials who went to inspect the site are SDO Chakpikarong, Chandel additional SP, Chakpikarong OC, Sugnu OC, Waikhong OC along with BSF and Assam rifles. A JCB was also brought to dismantle the bridge.
When the team reached Sinam village, the Kuki womenfolk barricaded the route by using a tree they had felled. The team continuously warned the women to disperse but they did not pay heed. The official team is yet to reach the bridge till late night.
Meanwhile, video footage showing armed Kukis taking positions behind the group of women who blocked the route, and prepared to fire upon the officials circulated on social media.
In the meantime, two journalists who went to give coverage of the situation were halted by 37 AR for around an hour. The media persons were not allowed to move ahead by the AR personnel who stated that higher authorities have not given order to grant them access.
The media persons raised the issue to Kakching district SP Th Vikramjit who further informed the AR team to allow the journalists to perform their duties. However, they were again denied entry, after which the SP alerted the 28 Sector brigadier of the situation. The media team were finally allowed to move ahead into Serou by the AR personnel who took their pictures.
It may be mentioned that the 37 Assam Rifles are posted at the area where the bridge is located.
Deputy commissioner, Chandel Mayanglambam Rajkumar issued directions to stop the construction of the bridge earlier on March 21, after noticing that the construction of a bridge is being taken up over the Manipur River at K. Moinom Village without the permission of competent authority.
The location of the proposed bridge is close to the security sensitive zone in the general area of Sugnu/Serou and is likely to cause unrest and adverse security situations, the direction stated.
It directed all concerned that such preparation for construction of bridge in or near the security sensitive zone without the authorisation of competent authority shall be immediately stopped.
Law enforcement agencies including Assam Rifles, In aid of civil authority, shall stop such illegal construction, it mentioned. Appropriate legal action will be taken against those who disobey the compliance of this direction, it added. Despite the order, 37 AR has been alleged of giving a free hand to the Kukis in construction of the bridge.
