Petrol pump dealers in Manipur have warned that they will be forced to suspend operations if the authorities fail to take concrete action against extortion demands by the end of this week.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) expressed strong dissatisfaction over the government’s inaction on their security concerns, despite submitting a memorandum to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on December 10 seeking urgent intervention.

Manipur has been under President’s Rule since February, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh amid criticism over the handling of ethnic violence that erupted in May 2023. Taking advantage of the prolonged crisis, several militant outfits have allegedly targeted local businesses, including petrol pumps, with
extortion demands.

While hundreds of individuals have been arrested in connection with such activities, dealers say threats continue unabated.

The MPDF said the memorandum highlighted persistent bomb threats, extortion attempts and illegal monetary demands, but no tangible steps have been taken so far.

“Regrettably, these threats and unlawful demands continue unabated, posing serious risks to life and property,” the statement said.

The fraternity pointed out that petrol pump dealers are required to sell fuel at government-approved rates and, unlike other commodities, cannot increase prices to offset illegal demands. As a result, dealers are caught in a precarious situation.

“Compliance with illegal demands exposes dealers to summons and punitive action by state authorities, including the possible invocation of the National Security Act, while refusal has led to bomb threats and direct threats to life,” the MPDF stated.

Given the circumstances, the association said petrol pump dealers would have no option but to shut down operations if decisive action is not taken by the authorities by December 28.