7 months ago
Manipur petrol pump blast: 3 militants arrested
There was a bomb explosion at a petrol pump in Manipur on January 8th.
No one was hurt, but it scared a lot of people, and all petrol pumps in the area closed.
The police caught a 35-year-old man from a group called KYKL and two others from another group called PREPAK.
They are still looking for his friends who might have helped him.
The people who run the petrol pumps want more security and money if something like this happens again.
The police also found some guns and bullets.
A bomb exploded at a petrol pump in Manipur's Bishnupur district on January 8, 2024, around 8 pm.
Three militants, including a 35-year-old KYKL cadre, were arrested for their involvement in the attack.
The explosion caused widespread panic and led to the indefinite closure of all fuel stations in the valley areas.
The Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) demanded enhanced security, assurance against future attacks, and compensation for damages.
Police recovered arms and ammunition, including an SLR, pistols, and ammunition, during a joint operation.
- Who
- Three militants, including a 35-year-old KYKL cadre and his accomplices
- What
- A bomb explosion at a petrol pump and subsequent arrests of militants
- Where
- Moirang Thana Leikai, Bishnupur district, Manipur; militants arrested from Imphal West and Kakching districts
- When
- January 8, 2024, around 8 pm; militants arrested on January 13, 2024
- Why
- The militants allegedly carried out the attack, and the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) demanded security and compensation
Key facts
- Date of Incident
- January 8, 2024
- Location of Incident
- Moirang Thana Leikai, Bishnupur district, Manipur
- Time of Incident
- 8 pm
- Arrested Militant's Age
- 35 years
- Arrested Militant's Group
- Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL)
- Fuel Station Affected
- Elidas fuel station
- Demands by MPDF
- Enhanced security, assurance against attacks, compensation for damage
- Arrested Militants' Groups
- Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) and People’s Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK)
- Arrest Locations
- Imphal West and Kakching districts
- Recovered Arms
- One SLR with two magazines, two single-barrel guns, three pistols, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm SLR ammunition, and eight tube launchings
Timeline
Manipur petrol pumps shut Dec. 13, owners threatened.
Militants demanded money, sparking closure.
Jan. 8 bombing follows threats, stations stay shut.
One suspect arrested after Jan. 8 blast.
Fear of further attacks keeps pumps closed indefinitely.
Quotes
Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) (S Kamson)
An armed group under a ceasefire deal representing three indigenous, kindred Naga tribes in Manipur.
“"... [There were] threats to burn down the entire village and cause harm to its residents. Such actions constitute serious violations of law and order and represent a direct infringement upon indigenous land rights and public safety."”
NDTV
“"Credible and verified inputs indicate the systematic establishment of fortified bunkers by Kuki underground outfits at village entry points, residential courtyards, and across the surrounding areas."”
NDTV
Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU)
A Kuki group that works closely with Kuki insurgents under the SoO agreement.
“"... While understanding the political and security aspects of the Naga community in Imphal valley as a minority, the Committee on Tribal Unity would like to remind them not to stoop so low only to become the mouthpiece or the footsoldier of the majoritarian Meetei/Meitei community in the valley but to abide their neutrality in these tribal persecution if not as a Christian community."”
NDTV
Sources
Manipur petrol pump blast: Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup cadre held, hunt on for others
Petrol pump bomb blast accused among 3 militants arrested in Manipur; arms recovered
Probe continues as three militants arrested for bomb blast at Manipur fuel station
3 militants arrested in Manipur’s Imphal West
Petrol pumps reopen across Manipur after talks, tight security assured
