54 dead in inter-ethnic clashes in Manipur state

The inter-ethnic clashes that have shaken the Indian state of Manipur (northeast) since Wednesday and led to the deployment of soldiers have left 54 ​​dead, according to a report relayed on Saturday May 6 by the Indian press agency PTI. No official report has yet been made public by the local authorities.

The situation in this state bordering Burma degenerated on Wednesday during a demonstration by tribal communities protesting against the request of the Meiteis, the majority ethnic group in Manipur, to benefit from positive discrimination measures.

Hundreds of Indian soldiers were sent to the scene on Thursday with orders to shoot on sight “in extreme cases” in an attempt to restore calm. Authorities also cut internet access and imposed a curfew. The situation remained tense on Saturday after further violence on Friday evening, police authorities said.