Floods wash away lifeline bridge in Peren; villagers forced to cross on rope

DIMAPUR — A hanging bridge straddling Mangleu River—between Lilen and Phanjang villages in Athibung subdivision, Peren district—has been completely washed away following recent floods.

The bridge, located close to Lilen and Inbung villages, had long served as a crucial link for residents of the area.

For over 40 years, the bridge had been a lifeline for the villagers, significantly reducing travel time—especially for students and teachers of Government High School (GHS) Lilen.

The struggles of daily commuters came into focus after a viral photo showed villagers risking their lives crossing the bridge.

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Speaking to Eastern Mirror, the Gaon Bura of Phanjang village, Tongkai Hangsing, shared that crossing the river during the monsoon season has always been a challenge.

He said that it was not the first time the bridge had been damaged and washed away by floods.

For decades, the villagers have repaired and reinstalled the hanging bridge each time it was destroyed.

According to him, it has been three to four days since the current structure was completely swept away by floods.

Despite the completion of a road under the PMGSY scheme in 2023 between Lilen and Inbung villages—which was meant to provide all-weather connectivity—some stretches remain impassable during the rainy season.

As a result, many people had continued to rely on the hanging bridge as a shortcut.

He added that some years ago, the village had also given an NOC to a contractor who had shown interest in constructing a permanent bridge over the river, but nothing materialised.

Following the circulation of the photo showing commuters crossing the river by balancing on a rope, the 9 Assam Rifles (AR), Jalukie, visited the spot.

While the specifics of their visit could not be confirmed, the Gaon Bura said that the Assam Rifles had asked the village to submit a letter formally requesting assistance.

Earlier in May 2025, the deputy commissioner of Peren had written to the commandant of 9 AR, Jalukie, requesting construction of a bridge over the Mangleu river under the MCA Scheme.

The request came after GHS Lilen appealed for help, citing severe difficulties in reaching the school during monsoons.

Meanwhile, the Zeliangrong Students’ Union Nagaland wrote to the DC on Friday, stating that the absence of a bridge has made commuting to school extremely hazardous for both students and teachers.

The impact, it noted, extends beyond the school, affecting approximately four villages that rely on the route to access Jalukie town.

With over 200 students enrolled at GHS Lilen, the union underscored the serious threat this posed to their safety and academic pursuits.

They appealed to the DC to take prompt action and resolve the issue, especially in light of the upcoming summer vacation expected to begin next week.

“The provision of a safe and reliable crossing would not only enhance the accessibility of the school but also ensure the well-being of the students, teachers, and villagers who utilise this route daily,” the ZSUN asserted.

The student body further expressed hope that the administration would expedite the process and take the necessary steps to address this long-standing issue, either before or immediately after the summer break.