Petroleum dealers in Manipur’s Imphal Valley and nearby areas began an indefinite shutdown of fuel stations on Saturday, January 10, 2026. They are protesting frequent bomb attacks targeting them. The shutdown was called by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers’ Fraternity (MPDF) on Friday, after a bomb exploded near a fuel station in Bishnupur district on Thursday night. No one was hurt in this recent attack. The MPDF had earlier informed Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla about the dangers dealers face, following another attack on December 6, 2025. In their letter, the MPDF said that although authorities have taken some steps to improve safety, dealers continue to face serious threats. They asked the administration to increase security at petrol pumps and promised accountability if dealers are abducted or attacked. They also demanded compensation for damages and deaths caused by such violence. It is unclear if the bombings are linked to extortion attempts by armed groups. However, the MPDF warned members would be unable to continue business if conditions don’t improve. A government statement by N. Ashok Kumar, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home), urged everyone to report incidents quickly and cooperate with the authorities. He said the Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell will respond fast by working with police and security forces. Separately, on January 9, security forces and officials destroyed illegal poppy fields covering about 40 acres in Ngatan Hill Range, Senapati district. Security forces also arrested one member each of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party (Noyon) and the People’s Revolution Party of Kangleipak (Pro).