Imphal, Jan 9 (NationPress) A bomb was thrown by unidentified assailants near a fuel station in Bishnupur district of Manipur, resulting in an explosion. Fortunately, no injuries or damages were reported following the incident, as confirmed by officials on Friday.

A police representative stated that the bomb was launched from a two-wheeler by unidentified individuals near the fuel station located at Moirang Thana Leikai in Bishnupur district during the night on Thursday, leading to the explosion. Following the incident, the police commenced an investigation and conducted searches immediately, but as of now, no arrests have been made.

Authorities are currently scrutinizing CCTV footage from the vicinity for leads regarding the incident.

In the aftermath of the explosion, both the staff of the fuel station and local residents organized a sit-in protest at the site.

Previously, last month, petrol station owners in Manipur had threatened to halt their operations after receiving threats related to extortion, along with the discovery of a hand grenade in the restroom of a fuel station at Koirengei in Imphal East district.

The explosive device was reportedly hidden alongside a letter threatening severe consequences unless the demands of a specific group were met.

On December 22, the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Association stated that despite submitting a memorandum to the Governor regarding frequent bomb threats, extortion, and exorbitant monetary demands, no action had been taken by the local administration.

Earlier, the Manipur Police declared that they would reinforce the anti-extortion mechanisms to combat threats targeting traders, contractors, government officials, and fuel station owners across the state.

This decision was made during a meeting between senior police officials and representatives of the Petroleum Dealers Association in Manipur. They agreed to evaluate the current security protocols at Retail Outlets (ROs) that handle petroleum products, including petrol stations.

Additional security measures will be enforced, including vetting all employees working at ROs.

Mobile police units will also be stationed at strategic locations to ensure the safety of fuel outlets, as stated by an official. Petrol station owners emphasized that these outlets provide vital public services and should not be targeted by any malicious groups or individuals.

They expressed to the media that repeated threats had compelled them to temporarily close their outlets as a precautionary measure. The association has called upon the local government and authorities to take decisive action against armed assailants involved in extortion and to guarantee sufficient security for fuel station operators throughout Manipur.

Meanwhile, Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Home) N. Ashok Kumar announced on Friday that the state government established an Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell on January 26 of the previous year within the Home Department.

This cell unites personnel from the state Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Assam Rifles, and the Indian Army to collaboratively address extortion activities statewide.

For public reporting, a toll-free helpline for the Anti-Extortion Cell is available around the clock. Citizens are encouraged to use it to report any extortion threats received through calls, messages, letters, or other means, according to the statement.

Ashok Kumar urged everyone, including government employees, to promptly report such incidents and fully cooperate with authorities.

The Integrated Anti-Extortion Cell will swiftly respond by coordinating with relevant police stations and security forces to implement effective measures.

“The Manipur government is resolutely dedicated to maintaining law and order and seeks ongoing public cooperation to combat extortion and related crimes,” the official declared.