Imphal: Petrol pumps across Manipur’s valley districts were shut indefinitely from Saturday following a bomb attack on a fuel station in Bishnupur district and continuing extortion-related threats, dealers said.
The Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) announced the decision two days after an explosive device was hurled at a petrol pump in Moirang on Thursday night.
While no injuries were reported, the blast caused damage to the outlet and heightened security concerns among fuel dealers.
In a letter addressed to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the MPDF said that despite steps taken by the state authorities to provide protection, petrol pump owners and staff continue to face serious threats.
The recent bomb attack, it said, underscored the persistent risks confronting dealers in the valley areas and their surrounding regions.
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Seeking compensation for the damage caused in the Bishnupur incident, the fraternity said its members had unanimously resolved to keep all petrol pumps in the valley and peripheral areas closed until the government intervenes with what it described as an immediate and amicable resolution.
The association also called on the government to strengthen security arrangements at fuel outlets to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
It further demanded that the authorities assume full responsibility for any future attacks, including cases of bomb blasts or kidnapping, and provide compensation for damage to infrastructure.
The MPDF added that adequate monetary compensation should be ensured in the event of injury or loss of life of dealers or their employees in such incidents.
