Petrol pump dealers in Manipur have warned they will suspend operations if the government does not act against extortion demands by the end of this week. The Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity (MPDF) expressed deep disappointment over the lack of action despite submitting a memorandum to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on December 10. Manipur is under President's Rule since February after Chief Minister N. Biren Singh resigned amid criticism over handling ethnic clashes in May 2023. Taking advantage of the crisis, militant groups have extorted local businesses, including petrol pumps. Hundreds of militants have been arrested for such demands so far. The MPDF described the threats as serious and ongoing. "The memorandum submitted to the Hon'ble Governor of Manipur on 10/12/2025 by the Manipur Petroleum Dealers Fraternity regarding persistent bomb threats, extortion, and exorbitant illegal demands has, unfortunately, not resulted in any positive or concrete action from the State authorities till date," the statement said. "Regrettably, these threats and unlawful demands continue unabated, posing serious risks to life and property," it added. Petrol dealers are required to sell fuel at government-approved fixed prices. They cannot raise prices to cover illegal costs. The dealers say they are caught in a critical situation. "On the one hand, compliance with illegal demands exposes dealers to summons and punitive action by State authorities, including the threat of invoking the National Security Act (NSA). On the other hand, refusal to comply has resulted in bomb threats and direct threats to life," the fraternity said. The MPDF has given the authorities until December 28 to take firm action or face petrol pumps shutting down across Manipur.