Two days following a bomb attack on a fuel station in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, all petrol pumps in the Manipur Valley region and nearby areas have been closed indefinitely. The shutdown was initiated by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) to demand better security for fuel outlets and their staff. The MPDF expressed concerns over ongoing security threats faced by petrol pump owners and workers, particularly after the recent bomb blast on January 8.
The MPDF, in a letter to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, highlighted the need for enhanced security measures at petrol pumps to prevent future attacks. They emphasized the importance of government accountability in case of security incidents like bomb blasts or kidnappings. The demands also include compensation for infrastructure damage and financial support for any dealer or staff member harmed or killed in such incidents.
Following the bomb attack on Thursday night, where miscreants on a two-wheeler threw a bomb near a fuel station in Bishnupur district, causing damage but no injuries, the police have launched an investigation. CCTV footage from the area is under scrutiny, although no arrests have been made yet. In response to the incident, fuel station staff and local residents staged a sit-in protest at the site.
Petrol pump owners in Manipur had previously faced extortion threats, with a hand grenade discovered at a fuel station in Imphal East district last month. Despite submitting a memorandum to the Governor regarding frequent bomb threats and extortion attempts, no action was taken, as claimed by the MPDF. In efforts to combat extortion activities, the Manipur Police have intensified anti-extortion measures and set up an Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell under the Home Department.
