The death toll in the Manipur clashes has risen to 54, according to authorities, despite unconfirmed estimates of several scores.
Life in Imphal Valley returned to a nervous routine on Saturday as businesses and marketplaces reopened and automobiles resumed their journeys. The security presence, which had been boosted by the deployment of additional army personnel, fast response teams, and central police forces, was evident at all important places and roadways, reports Times of India.
Even though security personnel were stationed in large numbers, most businesses and marketplaces in Imphal and other areas opened in the morning.
Officials added that of the 54 deaths, 16 bodies were kept in the morgue of the Churachandpur district hospital and 15 bodies were at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal East district.
The Regional Institute of Medical Sciences in Lamphel, Imphal West district, recorded 23 deaths, according to officials, the report also said.
Meanwhile, police stated that five hill-based terrorists were killed and two India Reserve Battalion jawans were injured in two separate confrontations in Churachandpur district on Friday night.
The police claimed four terrorists were killed in a clash between security forces and militants at Saiton in Churachandpur district.
Militants opened fire on security troops in Torbung, leading to them to react. According to police, one insurgent was killed and two IRB jawans were hurt during the exchange of fire.
According to a defence spokesperson, 13,000 people were evacuated and sent to safe shelters, some of which were army camps, as the army took "firm control" of Churachandpur, Moreh, Kakching, and Kangpokpi districts.
The violence began in the Torbung region of Churachandpur district on Wednesday during the 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized by the All Tribal Student Union Manipur (ATSUM) to protest Meiteis' demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, it said.
The march was organized by tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, after the Manipur High Court ordered the state government last month to provide a proposal to the Centre on the Metei community's claim for ST status within four weeks.
During the march in Torbung, an armed crowd reportedly attacked members of the Meitei community, prompting retaliatory assaults in the valley regions and escalating the violence across the state, according to police.
Meiteis make up around 53% of the population and reside mainly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, make up another 40% of the population and live mostly in the hill areas that surround the Valley.