Miscreants torch oil pumps
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 10 2012: After some unidentified persons torched two oil pumps at Singjamei Thokchom Leikai and Kakwa last night, all the oil pumps operating at Imphal remained shut today in protest.

At about 11 pm yesterday, some unidentified miscreants set fire at the foot of two petrol nozzles at Ibochou Service Station, Kakwa.

At about the same time, fires were ignited at the base of a petrol nozzle and a diesel nozzle at Imo Filling Station, Singjamei Thokchom Leikai.

Fortunately, people of the neighbourhood came to know about the fire before it could touch any fuel oil at both the oil pumps, and the fires were promptly doused.

Whereas the surrounding area of Imo Filling Station is thickly populated in its three directions, Ibochou Service Station is surrounded by human settlements only on the northern and eastern sides.

Taking strong exception against the abortive acts of arson which were potentially disastrous, all oil pumps operating at Imphal remained shut today.

In addition, local people living in the surrounding areas of the two oil pumps staged a twin protest demonstration.

The dark soothe testifies the intent of the arsonists

People of Kakwa Asem Leikai, Sorokhaibam Leikai and Singjamei Waikhom Leikai, particularly women took part in the protest demonstration held at Ibochou Service Station.

Yumnam Bina who took part in the protest demonstration said that she was the first person who came to know about last night's attempt to commit arson.

Immediately, she hit an electric pole and shouted "Fire at oil pump".

Soon, a number of people rushed out and put out the fire.

The attempt to set ablaze an oil pump located in a thickly populated area is nothing but attempt to murder people enmasse.

Such devilish act ought to be condemned by and all, Bina said.

Significantly, the two oil pumps were shut down since July 5 after a faction of the banned KCP served monetary demands with the concomitant threats in case the demands are not met.

Meanwhile, a joint press release issued by 18 different oil pumps informed that all oil pumps operating in Manipur have been shut down with immediate effect.

Though the twin arson attempt of last night was foiled, it could have resulted in unimaginable tragedy had the local people not noticed the fires in time.

Saying that pump owners have been serving the people day and night for convenience of people, not solely for profit, it asked all concerned not to impose any condition or demand against oil pumps.

Saying that all oil pumps would like to serve the public in peace without any sense of fear, it appealed to the public to bear the difficulties that may result from closure of oil pumps for sometime.