In the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, there have been inter-ethnic clashes that have left 54 dead, according to the Indian press agency PTI. It all started with a demonstration by tribal groups protesting the request of the majority ethnic group in the area, the Meitei, to demonstrate positive discrimination measures. The situation escalated into riots, which led to the use of thousands of soldiers with orders to fire in extreme cases to try to calm the situation. In addition, the authorities cut off Internet access and imposed a curfew.
Tensions in Manipur, which has suffered for decades from ethnic and separatist tensions, involve dozens of tribal and guerrilla groups whose ranges have ranged from greater autonomy to secession from the rest of India. The authorities have not made any official statements, but the Indian Minister of Law and Justice informed the press that “many lives were lost” during the riots. The situation remained tense on Saturday after more outbreaks of violence were reported on Friday night, according to information from the police authorities to AFP.
The military presence in the region is significant, and the Indian government has tried on several occasions to carry out a dialogue with the separatist groups without success. The region lies close to the border with Burma, and some armed groups have been found to operate from across the border in the past. The situation in Manipur remains volatile, with a long history of inter-ethnic and separatist conflicts that appear to be far from resolved.