Aizawl: The All Mizoram Petroleum Dealers Association (AMPEDA) has threatened to shut down all filling stations in Mizoram indefinitely from September 17, alleging that the Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP) forcibly collected money from managers of some fuel stations operated by non-Mizos.

MZP, the influential student body, denied the allegation.

A leader of AMPEDA said that an emergency meeting of the association on Tuesday strongly condemned the alleged actions and decided to continue its protest until the issue was resolved.

AMPEDA alleged that some petrol pump managers were detained at the MZP office recently and made to transfer Rs 2 lakh to the organisation’s bank account on September 7.

It further claimed that managers of some other stations were asked to transfer Rs 1.20 lakh each to MZP’s account.

The petroleum dealers’ body has demanded that all money allegedly collected from its members be returned by September 16.

It warned that if the money was not refunded and further demands for payment were not withdrawn, petrol pumps across the state would be shut indefinitely from September 17.

AMPEDA also condemned the alleged detention of employees and said such incidents should not recur.

Responding to the allegations, the MZP said the money collected from LT Brothers Filling Station at Keifang near Aizawl was a contribution towards its Assembly scheduled to be held at Darlawn from September 23 to 25.

In a statement on Thursday, the student organisation denied any coercion or physical intimidation, saying the petrol station had contributed voluntarily.

It said that the station was formerly owned by a Mizo and had been sold to a non-tribal citizen who hailed from Haryana, and that a person named Nitesh was currently managing the outlet.

The MZP also alleged that several filling stations in Mizoram are owned by Mizo individuals but operated by non-Mizos, with some allegedly using Mizo names and their licences.

It said the issue would be discussed at its forthcoming Assembly and called for stringent government action against businesses operated by non-Mizos using Mizo names.

The organisation also urged the government to identify such businesses and terminate their licences where violations are established.

The MZP further appealed to Mizo-owned petrol pump operators who do not allow non-Mizos to run their businesses to keep their outlets open if AMPEDA proceeds with the proposed shutdown.

It also urged the public to stop patronising businesses it alleges are being operated by non-Mizos.