Petrol pumps reopen in Manipur after government assures security

Petrol retail outlets across Manipur valley resumed operations on Tuesday afternoon after the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) announced suspension of its indefinite shutdown. The outlets had remained closed since January 10, triggering fears of a major fuel crisis in the state.
The shutdown was called following repeated extortion threats and a bomb attack at Ms Elidas Oil Pump in Moirang Thana Leikai under Bishnupur district on January 8 evening. Dealers cited serious safety concerns for staff and property as the reason for the closure.
The decision to reopen was taken after the fourth round of talks between MPDF representatives and Manipur government officials led by the Commissioner (Home). Addressing a press conference at the Manipur Press Club, MPDF convener Laishram Jugindro said the government had agreed to meet the fraternity’s demands, including immediate deployment of adequate security personnel at all petrol retail outlets.
The fraternity had placed a three-point demand before the government: provision of security and protection for oil pumps, compensation in cases of death or injury caused by bomb blasts or similar incidents, and compensation for damages to Elidas Fuel Station. The government assured that security would be provided at all outlets and said compensation claims would be examined under existing rules and guidelines. A joint committee comprising MPDF representatives and officials of concerned departments will be formed to assess property damage claims.
Meanwhile, police arrested another individual allegedly involved in the January 8 bomb attack. The accused, identified as Pukhrambam Rabi Singh alias Kheng (37) of Wangoo Sabal Awang Leikai, was apprehended from his residence on Monday evening. Security forces had earlier arrested an active cadre of the KYKL (G-5 group) in connection with the incident.
With petrol pumps reopening, the state home department has intensified security measures in and around the outlets to prevent further threats or attacks.