The Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) announced an indefinite closure of all petrol pumps in the valley region and surrounding areas starting Saturday, citing security concerns and extortion threats. This decision comes two days after a bomb exploded at a fuel station in Moirang, Bishnupur district, on Thursday night. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported in the blast.

In a letter to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the MPDF stated that despite strict measures by state authorities, petrol pumps and dealers continue to face severe threats. The organization demanded immediate compensation for damages caused by the explosion and stressed that business operations would resume only after their concerns are addressed.

The fraternity has asked the government to guarantee enhanced security measures for petrol pumps, dealers, and staff to prevent similar incidents in the future. It also called for accountability from authorities in case of future attacks, including financial compensation for damage, injury, or death resulting from such incidents.

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The Thursday night bomb attack involved unidentified miscreants hurling an explosive device at the Moirang fuel station. The explosion caused extensive damage to the infrastructure but fortunately did not result in any casualties. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

Manipur has witnessed growing concerns over petrol pump security in recent months, with dealers citing repeated threats and extortion attempts. The MPDF emphasized that the indefinite shutdown is a measure to protect employees, infrastructure, and public safety, while urging swift government intervention to resolve the crisis.

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