Who is the latest individual arrested for involvement in the bomb blast at a Manipur fuel station?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the petrol station bomb blast in Manipur.
- Security forces recovered significant arms and ammunition during recent operations.
- The Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity is advocating for improved security measures.
- No injuries occurred during the blast, but it caused notable damage.
- Authorities are continuing their search for additional suspects.
Imphal, Jan 16 (NationPress) With the apprehension of an additional suspect by the security forces, the total number of individuals arrested in relation to the bomb blast at a petrol station in Manipur's Bishnupur district has increased to two, officials reported on Friday.
A police representative stated that security forces detained Pukhrambam Bimol Meitei, also known as Inaobi (41), from the Lamphel Sana Keithel locality in Imphal West district.
Pukhrambam Bimol Meitei, hailing from Kakching district, is reportedly an accomplice involved in the explosion that occurred at a fuel station in Moirang Thana Leikai on January 8.
During the arrest, security forces seized a SMG carbine with four magazines containing 107 live rounds, a 9 mm pistol with a magazine holding five live rounds, two HE-36 hand grenades with detonators, and a Honda Activa two-wheeler.
Investigations regarding the fuel station explosion are ongoing.
Previously, a notorious militant from the banned Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) group, identified as Hijam Manichandra Singh (35), was arrested for his suspected role in the January 8 petrol pump explosion.
Authorities are actively pursuing the remaining suspects, as confirmed by the police.
According to law enforcement, militants on a motorcycle hurled a bomb at the fuel station on January 8, causing an explosion that, fortunately, resulted in no injuries but did damage the facility.
In response to these two consecutive attacks — one on January 8 in Bishnupur district and another on December 6 in Imphal East district — all petrol stations across the Manipur Valley and neighboring areas were closed on January 10.
This shutdown was initiated by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF), which demanded improved security for fuel outlets and their personnel.
In a formal communication to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the MPDF expressed concerns that, despite prior assurances from authorities, petrol pump owners and workers continue to face severe security threats, especially after the January 8 incident.
The MPDF's demands include heightened security measures at petrol stations to avert future attacks, government accountability for incidents like bomb blasts or abductions, compensation for infrastructure damages, and monetary support for any dealer or staff member injured or killed.
The MPDF also requested damages for the destruction caused to the Bishnupur fuel station in the January 8 explosion.
Meanwhile, security forces have conducted a joint operation over the past 24 hours, recovering various arms and ammunition from Imphal West district.
Additionally, Manipur Police apprehended an active member of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP), known as Ningthoukhongjam Sushil Singh (47), from his residence in Imphal West district.
Security forces, comprising both central and state agencies, are engaged in extensive operations against militants, conducting search and area dominance initiatives across mixed-populated and vulnerable districts.