Two petrol pumps torched ; Fuel stations in Imphal closed in protest
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 10 2012: Unidentified miscreants set on fire two oil pumps located under Singjamei police station last night.

Ibochouba Service Station at Kakwa Asem Leikai and Imo Filling Station at Chingamakha Thokchom Leikai were set on fire at around 11 pm yesterday.

The fire which was set on the nozzles of the oil pumps was detected by some passersby, who alerted the neighbouring people.

The fire was doused before it could spread and cause major damages.

It may be recalled here that the two oil pumps have been remaining closed since July 5 after three factions of KCP, namely KCP (MTF) City Meite, KCP (MC) Taibanganba and KCP (Lamphel) reportedly allegedly served demand note of Rs 10 lakhs each.

According to police sources, two different FIRs have been registered at Singjamei Police Station and Imphal Police Station respectively regarding the monetary demand.

Meanwhile, in protest against the incident, around 50 fuel stations in Imphal downed their shutters today.

A joint meeting of owners of 18 petrol pumps was also convened today to discuss the monetary demand and the last night's arson attempt at Ibochouba Service Station and Imo Filling Station.

During the meeting, the aggrieved petrol pump owners appealed to all concerned for withdrawing the monetary demand without any condition in consideration of the humanitarian service being rendered by them.

Sit-in-protest demonstrations were staged at the complex of Ibuchouba Services Station by members of Singjamei Makha Kakwa Asem Leikai Nupi Lup as well as at the complex of Imo Filling Stations by members of Youth Welfare Organization, Chingamathak and local meira paibis.

The protestors were seen holding placards inscribed with wordings like, 'We condemn burning of oil pumps,' 'Don't let local residents suffer', 'Please don't burn petrol pumps', etc.

All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers' Union has also strongly condemned the incident of setting fire at the two petrol pumps.

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