Imphal, July 11 -- An unauthorised steel bridge worth Rs 3 crore spanning the Manipur River was inaugurated by locals in the state's remote hill areas on Friday, amid limited media coverage.

Connecting Churachandpur and Chandel districts, which are predominantly inhabited by Kuki-Zo communities, the project was built without environmental or state government clearances, raising security concerns due to its proximity to sensitive cross-border areas.

The newly constructed footbridge, featuring a sign welcoming visitors as "Khulmi Lei", was inaugurated at Salkhul village, a small settlement with around 45 families. The infrastructure connects Walkhu village in Chandel district with Singheu village in Churachandpur district.

According to i...