Manipur Fuel Stations Shut Down Amid Rising Security Concerns Following Bomb Attack

Fuel Outlets in Manipur Halt Operations

Imphal: Following a bomb attack at a fuel station in Bishnupur district, all petrol stations in the Manipur Valley and surrounding areas have been closed indefinitely as of Saturday.

The Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) initiated this shutdown, citing the need for improved security for fuel stations and their employees.

In a communication to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the MPDF expressed that despite previous assurances from authorities, petrol pump operators and their staff continue to face significant security risks, particularly after the explosion on January 8. This incident marked the second serious attack in a short period, following a similar bomb threat on December 6 of the previous year.

Due to these alarming events, the MPDF stated that they could not resume normal operations until their three key demands were addressed. These demands include enhanced security measures at petrol stations to avert future attacks, full accountability from the government in the event of incidents like bomb blasts or kidnappings, and compensation for any damage to infrastructure, as well as financial support for any dealer or staff member injured or killed.

Additionally, the MPDF requested compensation for the damage inflicted on the Bishnupur fuel station during the recent blast.

According to police reports, unidentified individuals on a motorcycle threw a bomb near a fuel station at Moirang Thana Leikai in Bishnupur district on Thursday night, resulting in an explosion. Fortunately, there were no injuries, but the blast did cause damage to the station.

Authorities have initiated an investigation and are reviewing CCTV footage from the vicinity.

As of now, no arrests have been made. In response to the incident, staff from the fuel station and local residents organized a sit-in protest at the location.

Last month, petrol station owners in Manipur had also threatened to shut down operations after receiving extortion threats and discovering a hand grenade in the restroom of a fuel station in Koirengei, Imphal East district, on December 6.

This explosive device was reportedly accompanied by a letter warning of severe consequences if certain demands were not met.

On December 22, the MPDF claimed that no action had been taken despite their memorandum to the Governor, which highlighted ongoing bomb threats, extortion attempts, and monetary demands.

In response, the Manipur Police stated that they have intensified anti-extortion efforts throughout the state.

Senior police officials previously met with MPDF representatives to reassess the current security protocols at retail outlets selling petroleum products.

Additional security measures include deploying mobile police units at key locations and vetting all employees working at fuel stations.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar announced on Friday that the state government established an Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell on January 26 of last year, comprising personnel from the Manipur Police, Central Armed Police Forces, Assam Rifles, and the Indian Army to tackle extortion activities.

A 24/7 toll-free helpline has been set up for the public to report extortion threats via calls, messages, or letters.

Kumar urged citizens, including government employees, to report such incidents promptly and cooperate with law enforcement.

In a related operation, security forces arrested three militants from Imphal West and Imphal East districts, recovering locally made weapons and ammunition from Churachandpur, Imphal East, and Thoubal districts.

The arrested individuals, affiliated with militant groups such as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), Revolutionary People’s Front (RPF), Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), were reportedly involved in coercive fund collection. Authorities also seized electronic devices, Aadhaar cards, and a Maruti Alto car from their possession.