Bomb thrown at fuel station in Manipur, no injuries reported

A bomb was hurled at Elidas Fuel Station in Moirang Thana Leikai , Bishnupur district, late Thursday evening, triggering an explosion, officials said on Friday. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. Police said unidentified miscreants riding a two-wheeler threw the explosive device around 8 pm, and CCTV footage is being examined to identify the attackers.

The incident reflects a worrying trend in the state, where fuel stations are increasingly targeted by militants and extortionists. Last month, several petrol pump owners had threatened to shut down operations after receiving repeated bomb threats and extortion demands, citing the large volumes of cash handled daily as a key reason for becoming prime targets.

Over the past year, petrol pumps across Imphal Valley and surrounding areas have faced frequent threats, forcing temporary closures. In December alone, nearly 130 petrol pumps remained shut for several days in protest against intimidation, disrupting fuel supply and daily life across the valley. On one occasion, a hand grenade, along with a threatening letter, was found planted at a filling station in Imphal East, further intensifying fears among dealers and customers.

Fuel stations are particularly vulnerable due to liquid cash operations, limited flexibility to raise prices because of government-fixed rates, and their essential role in daily life. Militants and extortionists target them to disrupt public confidence, create inconvenience, and pressure authorities. Dealers have repeatedly received threats warning of “dire consequences” if demands were not met, forcing many stations to temporarily halt operations.

The Manipur Petroleum Dealers Association claimed that despite submitting a memorandum to the Governor regarding frequent bomb threats, extortion, and exorbitant monetary demands, no action had been taken by the administration. They emphasized that improving security at fuel stations is not just about protecting lives and property, it would also cut off a key source of money for organised crime and insurgency , weakening their operations.

Authorities have urged fuel station owners to remain vigilant and promised strict action against perpetrators. Police investigations into the Bishnupur blast are ongoing. Meanwhile, dealers continue to call for enhanced security measures to safeguard essential services, warning that without adequate protection, repeated attacks could severely impact fuel availability and disrupt daily life across the state.