Most of the shops and markets were open in the morning in Imphal city

IMPHAL: The death toll in Manipur violence has mounted to 54. While giving this information, the officials said that the life in the Imphal valley on Saturday appeared to be normal as most of the shops and markets are open again, vehicles were also seen on the roads.

Officials said that additional contingents of Army, Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Police Force personnel have been deployed in all major areas and roads for security. He said that most of the shops and markets were open in the morning in Imphal city and other places, people bought vegetables and other essential items. However, a large number of security personnel were deployed during this time.

Of the 54 deceased, 16 bodies have been kept at the Churachandpur District Hospital mortuary, while 15 bodies have been kept at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal East district, officials said. He said that the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences at Lamphel in Imphal Pachmi district has reported 23 deaths.

During the 'Tribal Unity March' organized by the All Tribal Students Union Manipur (ATSUM) on the demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status by the majority Meeti community in Manipur on Wednesday, Violence erupted in the Torbang area of Churachandpur district on 11 May which later spread to other districts.