Queues, chaos & panic buying in Manipur as petrol pumps down shutters from today

Imphal: Panic buying of fuel was reported across several parts of Manipur on Friday as petrol pump owners announced an indefinite strike from Saturday, demanding enhanced security after repeated attacks on fuel outlets, including a bomb blast at a Bishnupur district pump on Thursday evening.

The rush followed a bomb attack on a petrol pump at Moirang Thana Leikai in Bishnupur district on Thursday evening, when unidentified miscreants on a two-wheeler hurled an explosive device at the outlet.

In response, the Manipur petroleum dealers’ fraternity convened an emergency meeting on Friday, expressing grave concern over the deteriorating security situation. In a representation to the governor, the fraternity said this was the second such life-threatening incident in a short span, recalling a similar bomb threat against another fuel station on Dec 6.

Citing safety concerns, the fraternity demanded enhanced security at petrol pumps, govt accountability for future incidents such as blasts or kidnappings, compensation for damages to infrastructure, and monetary relief in case of injury or loss of life of dealers or staff. They also sought compensation for the damage caused to the petrol station.

Declaring that normal business operation was no longer possible under prevailing circumstances, the fraternity announced a unanimous decision to shut down all petrol pumps indefinitely in the Imphal valley and peripheral areas from Saturday until their demands are met.

Earlier, on Dec 13, around 130 petrol pumps across Manipur’s valley districts had remained closed in protest against bomb threats, rampant extortion, and rising “unbearable” monetary demands by suspected militants. Anticipating the shutdown, residents rushed to fuel stations, leading to panic buying and traffic congestion in many areas.

MM Farish, a private ambulance service provider waiting in line to refill his vehicle, stressed that petrol pumps must continue operating to support emergency services. “When petrol pumps keep shutting down repeatedly, it becomes a huge problem for us,” he said, adding that even limited operating hours would ease the situation.

He pointed out that even if petrol pumps cannot operate round the clock, they should at least remain open for fixed hours, as was done earlier. “Whether it is for eight hours, four hours or nine hours, even limited operation helps. But frequent shutdowns caused huge inconveniences for us,” he added.

Emphasising that both petrol pump operators and ambulance services are part of the same public service ecosystem, he drew the attention of the authorities to ensure the safety and security of the dealers and staff, and the operations of the fuel stations.

Meanwhile, womenfolk of Moirang Thana Leikai, Meira Paibis, and members of the local youth club staged a sit-in in front of the petrol station that came under blast attack, condemning Thursday’s attack.