Manipur borders Myanmar and because it has a history of insurgencies it has a heavy Indian army and paramilitary presence. It is also covered under the notorious Armed Forces Special Protection Act (AFSPA) which gives unfettered powers to the military and puts many of its actions, including the deaths of civilians at its hands, beyond the purview of the law.
Unofficial figures put the death toll in the violence that began on May 3 at 88, with the government admitting to 54. Men, women and children, including some government civil employees, are among the dead.
Churches destroyed were creeping up towards the 100 mark as relief workers entered the troubled areas. Tens of thousands are homeless, many now in government refugee camps. As always happens, all religions are represented among the victims.
