A petrol pump stands closed in the Imphal Valley during an indefinite shutdown of fuel outlets, enforced by petroleum dealers following security threats and a recent bomb blast at a fuel station, in Imphal on Saturday, January 10, 2026
| Photo Credit: ANI
Petroleum dealers in Manipur’s Imphal Valley and surrounding areas on Saturday (January 10, 2026) began a shutdown of fuel stations for an indefinite period to protest frequent bomb attacks against them.
The Manipur Petroleum Dealers’ Fraternity (MPDF) had called for the shutdown on Friday (January 9), hours after a bomb attack by unidentified miscreants near a fuel station in Bishnupur district on Thursday (January 8) night. Nobody was injured in the attack.
In a letter addressed to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the MPDF said that it had apprised him of the challenges its members were facing after miscreants targeted a fuel dealer on December 6, 2025.
“Though the authorities have taken up strict actions/steps towards the safety of the petrol pumps/dealers, yet we are facing severe threats,” the letter read, asking the administration to enhance the security of petroleum dealers and fuel outlets.
The MPDF sought accountability from the administration if petroleum dealers are abducted or attacked. It also demanded compensation for damages to fuel outlet infrastructures and deaths caused to any dealer or staff in such attacks.
It was unclear if the bomb attacks were linked to any extortion attempt by armed groups, but the MPDF said its members would not be in a position to run their businesses if the situation did not improve.
“Everyone, including government employees, is encouraged to promptly report such incidents and cooperate fully with the authorities. The Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell will respond quickly by coordinating with relevant police stations and security forces to take effective measures,” a statement issued by N. Ashok Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home), read.
Meanwhile, a team comprising of security forces, Forest Department officials, and local authorities destroyed illegal poppy cultivation on some 40 acres in the Ngatan Hill Rage of Senapati district on Friday (January 9). The day before, the security forces arrested a member each of the outlawed Kangleipak Communist Party (Noyon) and the People’s Revolution Party of Kangleipak (Pro).
Published – January 10, 2026 09:08 pm IST
