Panic buying at oil pumps in Manipur after bomb explosion

Panic buying gripped Imphal on Friday as people thronged fuel stations anticipating disruption in fuel availability after miscreants set off a bomb at a petrol retail outlet.
Miscreants suspected to be militants hurled a bomb at Ms Elidas Oil Pump at Moirang Thana Leikai under Moirang police station in Bishnupur district on Thursday evening, around 7.30 pm. No casualty was reported in the bomb explosion.
The police immediately rushed to the spot and launched an inquiry and investigation. The latest bomb attack came at a time, petrol pump owners were demanding protection from threats and unlawful monetary demands by armed groups following a bomb threat to one of the outlets in Imphal in December last.
The petrol pumps linked the bomb threat to extortion demands which they were not in a position to meet.
Petrol pump owners under the aegis of Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) had issued an ultimatum threatening shutdown of all fuel stations in Manipur by December 28 if they were not provided adequate protection from threats and unlawful demands.
This latest attack triggered people to rush to the petrol pumps to fill their vehicle fuel tanks as they anticipated the petrol pumps Long queues of vehicles were seen at several petrol pumps across the city, with motorists rushing to fill their tanks.
The planned indefinite shutdown was suspended after the state government assured steps to thwart extortion threats to the petrol pumps.
Accordingly, the state police department had deployed mobile police teams at strategic locations to ensure safety of petrol retail outlets besides enhancing anti-extortion mechanisms to thwart threats to retail outlets of petroleum products.
Thursday’s bomb attack at Ms Elidas Oil Pump at Moirang Thana Leikai in Bishnupur district came up despite the security measures being in place for the protection of the petrol pumps.
The MPDF, in a letter written to the Governor today, sought his attention to the latest bomb threat asserting that they were not in a position to continue their business normally following the latest bomb attack. Thursday’s bomb attack was the second instance in which a life attempt was made with a bomb within a short period of time, the MPDF wrote to the Governor while recalling the December 6 incident of placing a hand grenade at one of the retail outlets in Imphal.
“Though, the authorities have taken up strict actions/steps toward the safety of the petrol pumps/dealers, we are facing severe threats as the bomb blast last night,” the MPDF letter read.
While reiterating their demands – strict security measures – the MPDF urged the Governor to ensure such a bomb attack does not repeat in future. It also demanded adequate compensation for the loss the petrol pump suffered in the bomb explosion.
Meanwhile, in the backdrop of the latest bomb attack which was suspected to be related to monetary demand, the Manipur government on Friday urged all to promptly report all extortion threats and cooperate fully with the authorities. A statement, signed by commissioner cum secretary (Home) N Ashok Kumar, stated that “starting 26th January 2025, the government of Manipur had set up an Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell within the home department bringing together members from the state Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and Assam Rifles/lndian Army to work in unison against extortion activities across the state.”
It added that “Everyone, including government employees, is encouraged to promptly report such incidents and cooperate fully with the authorities” and that the Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell will respond quickly by coordinating with relevant police stations and security forces to take effective measures.
It also reiterated that the Manipur government remained strongly committed to upholding law and order and sought public collaboration to combat extortion and related crimes.
If said citizens can report any extortion threats from calls, messages, letters, or other sources to the toll-free helpline – 1800 202 3326 of Anti Extortion Cell which is available 24/7, the statement read.