Oil pumps to close today

IMPHAL, Jan 23 : Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Nayara Energy have resolved to close their oil pumps (retail outlets) in Manipur tomorrow (January 24).
The resolution was taken during a meeting of the Manipur Retail Outlet Dealer's Association today.
The meeting condemned the alleged security lapses that let protesters of the Keithelmanbi hit and run case vandalize 59 commercial trucks (18 LPG tanker trucks, three POL trucks and another 38 POL trucks of IOCL) on January 21 in which two drivers were also injured.
Altogether 105 trucks were detained by the protesters at Keithelmanbi on the day.
It may be mentioned that civil bodies of Kangpokpi under the aegis of KSO Sadar Hills imposed a total ban on movement of all commercial trucks from 12 am of January 21 in connection with the hit and run case in which one youth from Keithelmanbi Military Colony was killed.
The ban was lifted yesterday following an agreement between the civil organisation  and the Government representatives.
Reportedly, oil supply to the retail outlets (oil pumps) has stopped since January 21.
Today's meeting also urged the State  Government to start a departmental enquiry against the erring security officers who escorted the Imphal bound trucks on January 21 and take up necessary action against them.
Further appealing to the State Government to fully implement National Highways Rules and compensate for the damage and injuries caused on January 21, the meeting resolved to stage different modes of agitation if the demands are not heeded on or before January 31.
The All Manipur Petroleum Products Drivers Association has also urged the State Government to probe the security lapses of the fateful day and provide adequate compensation to the injured drivers and for the vehicles damaged.
In a statement, the association warned that no oil tankers and LPG tankers will operate until the demands are fulfilled.