Calling the reported attack on the Chatric Bridge an assault on essential civilian infrastructure, the Naga youth organisation has sought an independent investigation, criminal action against those responsible, and immediate reconstruction of the bridge.
BY PC Bureau
July 22, 2026: Khanuithot-Khon (Voice of the Naga Youth), a prominent Naga youth organisation, has condemned the reported destruction of the Chatric Bridge in Manipur’s Ukhrul district, alleging that the attack was carried out by the NSCN (Eastern Flank). The organisation described the incident as a direct assault on vital civilian infrastructure that has further deepened the humanitarian crisis in the conflict-affected hill districts of Ukhrul and Kamjong.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Khanuithot-Khon claimed that the bridge—described as the only viable alternative route linking Ukhrul to Imphal through Chatric village—was destroyed around 10.30 pm on July 21.
According to the organisation, the bridge had become a critical lifeline for thousands of residents after movement along National Highway-202 remained heavily restricted for nearly five months due to the prevailing security situation. Civilian movement on the highway, it said, has been regulated through armed escorts and limited travel windows, forcing people to rely almost entirely on the Chatric route to access hospitals, educational institutions, markets, government offices, workplaces and emergency services.
Calling the alleged destruction a “grave attack on civilian infrastructure,” Khanuithot-Khon said the incident had severely disrupted the daily lives of ordinary people and worsened an already fragile humanitarian situation.
“The destruction of the Chatric Bridge has severely disrupted the daily lives of innocent civilians, deepened the humanitarian crisis in the region, and further aggravated the hardships already being endured by the people of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts,” the statement said.
The organisation maintained that infrastructure serving civilian populations should never become a target, irrespective of the prevailing conflict.
“The deliberate targeting of infrastructure indispensable to civilian life cannot be justified under any circumstances and only serves to undermine public confidence and the prospects for lasting peace and stability,” it added.
The notorious Khanuithot-Khon has now accepted that the bailey bridge was destroyed by NSCN-EF. This post is important because NSCN-IM’S mouthpiece like @ukhrultimes & @republic will be quick to blame us. https://t.co/U3c6hnFBEz pic.twitter.com/XZ2k1s0xyZ
— David 𝐊𝐮𝐤𝐢 (@KipsKuki) July 22, 2026
Months of Hardship
Khanuithot-Khon said residents of Ukhrul and Kamjong have already endured months of severe hardship owing to restrictions on movement along NH-202.
According to the statement, instead of unrestricted civilian access to the highway, authorities have continued regulating movement under armed escort and within designated time slots, making the Chatric bridge the principal alternative route for thousands of commuters.
The organisation said local communities had exercised restraint despite prolonged disruptions but warned that the latest development had pushed an already difficult situation towards a humanitarian emergency.
“The people of Ukhrul and Kamjong have consistently exercised patience despite prolonged restrictions on their freedom of movement. Rather than restoring normalcy, the destruction of this bridge has further alienated communities already bearing the consequences of an unresolved conflict,” it said.
Four Key Demands
Khanuithot-Khon urged the Government of Manipur and other competent authorities to respond immediately and placed four major demands before the administration.
It called for:
- An immediate judicial or independent investigation to establish the facts surrounding the destruction of the bridge and identify those responsible.
- Registration of criminal cases against individuals found to have participated in or authorised the alleged destruction of the bridge, if supported by the investigation.
- Appropriate legal and disciplinary action against those found responsible in accordance with law.
- Reconstruction of the Chatric Bridge on a war footing to restore uninterrupted civilian connectivity between the affected areas.
The organisation warned that any delay in bringing those responsible to justice would further erode public confidence in the rule of law.
“Any attempt to shield the perpetrators or delay justice will only deepen public mistrust and undermine confidence in democratic institutions,” it said.
Impact on Civilian Life
The statement emphasised that the destruction of the bridge, if confirmed, would have consequences extending well beyond transportation.
Residents of the two districts depend on the route for medical emergencies, access to educational institutions, delivery of essential commodities, government services and economic activity. With movement on NH-202 already restricted, the loss of the alternative route could leave many villages effectively isolated.
READ: From Pen to Printer: The Questions Around Wangchuk’s Latest Letter
READ: Opinion | Jantar Mantar: Where the India We Love Came Alive
Khanuithot-Khon reiterated that civilian infrastructure must remain outside the ambit of armed conflict and appealed for urgent intervention to restore connectivity.
The allegation comes amid continuing security challenges in Manipur’s hill districts, where movement along several highways has remained disrupted due to the prolonged ethnic conflict and the presence of multiple armed groups.
Over recent months, authorities have introduced escorted convoys and restricted civilian movement on certain stretches of NH-202 owing to security concerns, prompting residents to increasingly depend on alternative routes such as the one through Chatric village.
While Khanuithot-Khon has attributed the bridge’s destruction to the NSCN (Eastern Flank), there has been no official confirmation from the state government or security agencies, and the armed group had not publicly responded to the allegation at the time this report was filed.
The organisation concluded by reaffirming its solidarity with the people of Ukhrul and Kamjong districts and urged the government to act swiftly to investigate the incident, restore the bridge and ensure that critical civilian infrastructure remains protected.
