A bomb blast at a fuel station along the Moirang–Kumbi Road has prompted petrol pump owners to announce an indefinite shutdown of fuel outlets across Manipur’s valley and peripheral areas from January 10.

Condemning the attack on Elidas Fuel Station on January 8, the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) said repeated bomb attacks on fuel outlets had made it impossible for dealers to operate under prevailing security conditions. The fraternity described the latest incident, allegedly carried out by unidentified miscreants, as a matter of grave concern.

The MPDF pointed out that this was the second such incident in little over a month, recalling that a petrol pump dealer was targeted on December 6. The repeated attacks, it said, have heightened fear among fuel retailers and their employees.

While acknowledging steps taken by the authorities to improve security, the fraternity maintained that the latest blast exposed the continuing risks faced by dealers and staff. It asserted that assurances alone were no longer sufficient in the wake of the recent explosion.

Drawing the attention of the Manipur Government, the MPDF stated that it could not continue business under the current circumstances and demanded enhanced security arrangements for petrol pumps, dealers and employees to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.

The fraternity further called upon the government to take full responsibility for any future incidents, including bomb blasts or kidnappings, and to compensate for damage to fuel station infrastructure. It demanded immediate compensation for the damage caused to Elidas Fuel Station and maximum monetary compensation in the event of injury or loss of life involving dealers or staff.

Stating that urgent intervention was necessary, the MPDF announced that all petrol pumps in the valley and surrounding areas would remain closed indefinitely until its demands are fulfilled.