Imphal, December 09 2008: PROTESTING AGAINST the threats, attacks and monetary demands made by various underground organisations to the oil pump owners in the state and terming it as 'unbearable', the All Manipur Petroleum Product Dealers' Association shut down all oil pumps in the state today and organised a one-day sit-in-protest at the Keishampat junction in Imphal West.

All members of the Association and workers took part in the sit-in-protest.

Speaking to media persons, a spokesperson of the Association warned that unless the various demands for money were withdrawn within December 30, all the oil pumps in the state would close indefinitely from January 1 onwards.

He informed that the demands, threats and attacks meted out by certain elements on the oil dealers, were becoming unbearable.

He demanded that such acts be stopped.

He also pointed out the latest of the attacks at Tiddim Oil Service, a bomb attack on NRL Sagolband, firing at the Wabagai oil pump, torching of BBCO Tiddim oil pump by unidentified miscreants.

Stating that the state government has remained silent on all these incidents, the spokesperson called upon the present SPF government to control such acts as oil was an essential commodity besides being a dangerous inflammable liquid.

On the other hand, referring to donations to the various civil and other organisations, the spokesperson stated that it was not possible for the association to donate the exact amount wanted by the organisations pointing out that there were too many organisations in the state.

Sometimes, there are over twenty organisations for just one function and it is not possible for the Association to pay all the amount demanded by the organisations, conveyed the spokesperson adding that the association can only donate the amount in their own capacity.

The spokesperson also condemned the mental harassments caused to the dealers when the amounts were not paid.

Meanwhile, replying to the query of pressmen as to why the oil pumps were not opened 24 hours as was supposed to, the spokesperson stated that due to the law and order situation of the state, it was not possible for them to open the oil pumps 24 hours a day.

However, on normal days the pumps are opened for 13-14 hours a day, the spokesperson informed.

During the sit-in-protest, placards such as "We want Peace", "Please stop unbearable demands", "Oil pumps are not battle fields", were shown.

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