Ethnic clashes in the north-eastern state of Manipur in India resulted in 54 deaths and more than 150 injuries, BBC reports.
Local protests led by a tribal group turned into violence, prompting the government to deploy thousands of troops to the area. Despite their efforts, further violence broke out, and the government responded by shutting down the internet and authorizing the use of weapons in "extreme cases" to quell the unrest.
The situation is still tense according to the local police. The clashes began on May 5, sparked by demands from Meitei immigrants for "Scheduled Caste" status, which would give them more benefits.
The Kukis, the indigenous people of the region, protested the demand as unfair and held a "tribal solidarity march" that escalated into violence. The Meiteis, who were Hindus, attacked Christian churches and instigated riots. Church leaders requested help from the federal authorities.
The military evacuated a total of 13,000 people from the conflict areas, and checkpoints have been established in the affected regions.
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