54 people dead in Manipur violence: reports

The situation in Manipur continues to remain tense after clashes broke out on May 3 during an ongoing protest by tribals over a court order on Scheduled Tribe status.

As many as 54 people have lost their lives in the violence that broke out in Manipur on May 3 during a protest rally, officials told news agency PTI.

The unofficial sources put the figure at several scores, the report said.

Security presence which has been bolstered by flying in more army troops and rapid action force and central police forces was clearly visible at all major areas and roads.

Most shops and markets in Imphal town and other places opened in the morning with people buying vegetables and other essential commodities even as security forces were deployed in large numbers.

Of the 54 dead, 16 bodies were kept in the morgue of the Churachandpur district hospital while 15 bodies were in Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal East district, officials said.