Manipur death toll hits 55, humanitarian crisis festers

At least 55 people have died following ethnic clashes in Manipur, India. The violence began on Wednesday between the Meiteis, the dominant community in Imphal Valley, and the Kukis, who reside in the hill districts. The immediate trigger for the unrest was a proposal to include Meiteis in the scheduled tribe category. More than 16,000 people have been taken to shelters in military compounds in and around the state, where internet services have been shut down. Scores more people are believed to have fled their homes and taken shelter in neighbouring states.