A bomb blast at a fuel station on Moirang Kumbi Road has led petrol pump owners in Manipur to declare an indefinite shutdown of operations across the valley and surrounding areas, starting January 10. The attack on Elidas Fuel Station on January 8 was condemned by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF), which expressed concerns over the growing threats faced by fuel dealers due to repeated bombings at fuel outlets. The group highlighted that the latest incident was executed by unidentified individuals and described the situation as highly alarming.
This incident marks the second attack on petrol pumps within just over a month, following a similar incident on December 6 that has raised significant concerns regarding a potential pattern of violence targeted at fuel retailers. While the MPDF acknowledged that local authorities had made attempts to bolster security, the recent blast has brought to light the ongoing dangers that petrol station operators and their staff encounter daily. The fraternity stressed that mere assurances of safety are no longer adequate in light of the escalating threats.
Additionally, the MPDF has urged the Manipur Government to acknowledge the precarious conditions under which they currently operate. The fraternity called for enhanced security measures to safeguard petrol pumps, dealers, and employees. They are also demanding that the government assume complete responsibility for any incidents occurring in the future, including bombings or kidnappings, and provide compensation for any damage inflicted on fuel station infrastructure.
Their demands extend to seeking maximum monetary compensation for any injuries or loss of life involving dealers or staff, as well as immediate reparations for the damage done to Elidas Fuel Station. The MPDF has stated that urgent intervention is necessary, asserting that all petrol pumps in the valley and nearby regions will remain closed indefinitely until their demands are addressed.
