Petrol pumps across valley district of Manipur close protesting bomb threat

Petrol pumps across the valley districts of Manipur remained closed on Saturday following an alleged bomb threat linked to extortion activities, officials said.
Petrol pump owners had announced the closure of their outlets after receiving threats, prompting an immediate shutdown of fuel retail services as a precautionary measure. Fuel retailers condemned the threats and the alleged extortion demands, stating that petrol pumps are public service establishments and should not be subjected to intimidation or coercion.
The owners stated that fuel prices are fixed by the government and leave no scope for selling petrol or diesel at higher rates to meet illegal demands. They cautioned that forced payments would place an unsustainable financial burden on petrol pump operators, potentially driving them into bankruptcy and disrupting essential public services.
Petrol pump owners also appealed to the authorities to take firm action against armed miscreants involved in extortion and to ensure adequate protection for fuel station owners across the state.
From the morning hours, fuel retail outlets in various parts of Imphal did not operate, leading to long queues of vehicles outside a few pumps that briefly opened before shutting down. The closure affected private motorists, public transport operators and essential service providers, raising concerns over mobility and the supply of essential commodities.
Sources indicated that the shutdown was linked to prevailing law and order concerns and operational difficulties faced by fuel dealers, although no official clarification was issued during the day. Residents reported significant difficulties in commuting to workplaces, educational institutions and markets due to the unavailability of fuel.