On January 10, petrol pumps across the valley districts and nearby areas of Manipur remained shut following an indefinite strike announced by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF). The strike was called in protest against a bomb explosion at a petrol pump in Bishnupur district on Thursday evening. After the MPDF declared the strike, long queues of vehicles were seen at fuel stations in several parts of Imphal on Wednesday, with some residents also stocking fuel in jerry cans. In a representation addressed to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the MPDF voiced serious concern over the safety of petroleum dealers, stating that it would be impossible to continue operations unless the government takes prompt steps to prevent such violent incidents. The fraternity demanded strengthened security arrangements at fuel stations and protection for dealers and their employees. It also urged the government to ensure that similar incidents do not recur and to assume full responsibility in the event of future attacks, including bombings or the abduction of petrol pump staff.
Manipur Petrol Pumps Shut Indefinitely Following Bomb Attack on Bishnupur Fuel Station
