Bomb hurled near fuel station in Manipur’s Bishnupur dist; no casualties or damage

January 9, 2026

Imphal: Unidentified miscreants threw a bomb near a petrol pump in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, causing an explosion. Officials said on Friday that no casualties or damage were reported in the incident.

Miscreants on a two-wheeler carried out the incident

According to police, unidentified people on a two-wheeler threw a bomb near a petrol pump in the Leikai area of ​​the Moirang police station on Thursday night, causing a loud explosion and spreading panic in the area.

Investigation underway, no arrests yet

Immediately after the explosion, police launched a search operation, but no arrests have been made yet. Police are examining footage from nearby CCTV cameras to identify the accused.

Petrol pump workers and locals staged a protest after the incident

Following the incident, petrol pump workers and locals staged a protest at the petrol pump premises, expressing concerns about security.

Petrol pumps have received threats before

This incident comes at a time when petrol pump operators in Manipur are receiving frequent extortion-related threats. Last month, a hand grenade was recovered from the toilet of a petrol pump in Koirengei, Imphal East district.

Threatening letter also found with explosives

It was reported that a letter was found with the recovered explosives, warning of dire consequences if the demands of a particular group were not met.

Petroleum Dealers Association Accuses Administration

In a statement issued on December 22, the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Association claimed that despite submitting a memorandum to the Governor regarding bomb threats, extortion, and demands for large sums of money, the administration had taken no concrete action.

Police Assures Increased Security

Earlier, the Manipur Police had stated that they would further strengthen the anti-extortion mechanism to prevent threats against traders, contractors, government officials, and petrol pump owners.

Additional Security Measures at Petrol Pumps

A meeting between police officials and the Petroleum Dealers Association decided to review the existing security arrangements at retail outlets selling petroleum products. This will include verification of all employees and deployment of mobile police teams at strategic locations.

‘Petrol pumps provide essential services’

Petrol pump operators stated that fuel stations provide essential public services and should not be targeted by any group or individual with malicious intent. They explained that they had to close the pumps as a precautionary measure due to repeated threats.

Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell Formed in the State

Meanwhile, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar said on Friday that the state government formed an Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell under the Home Department on January 26.

24×7 Toll-Free Helpline Available

This cell comprises personnel from the state police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Assam Rifles, and the Indian Army. A 24-hour toll-free helpline has been launched for the public to report extortion threats received through calls, messages, letters, or other means.

Appeal to the public for cooperation

N. Ashok Kumar said that all people, including government employees, have been appealed to immediately report such incidents and fully cooperate in the investigation. He reiterated that the Manipur government is fully committed to maintaining law and order and combating criminal activities like extortion.