Many rush in to refuel as pumps announce closure Folks pay pound of flesh for blast

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 9 : The Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) has resolved to close all petrol pumps in the valley districts and surrounding areas, starting January 10 in response to the bomb attack at M/S Elidas Fuel Station at Moirang Thana Leikai yesterday.
As news of the imminent shutdown of all fuel pumps started doing the round, a large number of people could be seen rushing to the nearest oil depot to fill their vehicles, ranging from two wheelers to four wheelers.
Some also procured fuel in their jerry can. Police could be seen monitoring the rush at all the fuel pumps in Imphal.
In a letter to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Association expressed grave concerns, stating that petroleum dealers in Manipur are unable to continue their business unless the Government takes immediate action to prevent such incidents.
The MPDF called for enhanced security measures at petrol pumps, as well as for the protection of dealers and their staff.
The Association further urged the Government to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future, emphasising the need for the Government to take full responsibility in case of any further incidents like bomb blasts at fuel stations or the abduction of staff.
Additionally, the MPDF called on the Government to provide compensation for the damages caused at M/S Elidas Fuel Station.
The Association also stated that the Government is liable to provide maximum monetary compen- sation if any dealers or staff are injured or killed in similar incidents in the future.
One dealer was targeted on December 6, 2025, it said and added that petroleum dealers continue to face severe threats.
Meanwhile, a sit-in protest was staged at the premises of M/S Elidas Fuel Station today.
Condemning the bomb attack, the locals of Moirang Thana Leikai asserted that the explosion could have caused significant damage and posed a serious risk to lives.
They stated that attacking a fuel pump with an explosive is extremely dangerous and an act of cowardice, appealing to all concerned to refrain from such actions in the future.
Notably, the bomb was thrown by two individuals who came on a two-wheeler, and the incident was captured on CCTV.