Oil pumps shut, talk fails to break ice

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 10: Vehe-mently protesting the bomb explosion that took place at Elidas Fuel Station, Moirang on Thursday night, all oil pumps in the valley districts were closed today.
On account of the closure of oil pumps, a large number of people were forced to buy fuels from roadside vendors (black market) at inflated prices.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity held a meeting with Government officials led by the Commissioner (Home) at 3 pm today. But the meeting could not arrive at any agreement.
As such, oil pumps in the valley districts are likely to remain closed.
While the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity reiterated their three demands, the Government officials assured security measures to prevent recurrence of bomb attacks at oil pumps.
The Government officials told the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity that security measures have already been put in place to prevent such attacks.
The Government officials assured that additional security measures will be taken up and security forces will be kept on high alert.
According to information received from the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity, the meeting held today with Government officials could not reach an agreement, and they will hold a meeting on Sunday regarding their ongoing protest and closure of oil pumps.
The Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity may hold another round of meeting with the Government on January 12, 2026, sources said.
Commissioner(Home) N Ashok Kumar, CAF&PD Director K Bino and Addl DGP Kailun attended the meeting held today with representatives of the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity.  
Earlier on January 8 night, a hand grenade exploded at Elidas Fuel Station, Moirang.
Taking strong exception to the attack, the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) decided to shut all oil pumps in the valley districts indefinitely.
MPDF also submitted a memorandum to the Governor urging the Government to ensure that such incidents do not occur again in the future, take full responsibility in case of any further incidents like bomb blasts at oil pumps or abduction of staff, and provide compensation for the damages done at M/S Elidas Fuel Station.