Karachi, In the Churachandpur district of Manipur, a mass burial was conducted for 87 individuals who lost their lives in ethnic clashes that erupted in the northeastern Indian state. This solemn event comes nearly eight months after the outbreak of the violence.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the burial on Wednesday provided closure to the families of the deceased after a prolonged period of waiting, as reported by Indian media. Following the violent clashes between two tribal communities on Sunday night, prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been imposed in the district to maintain order.

The victims, predominantly from the Kuki-Zo community, were laid to rest near Khuga Dam. Their bodies had been kept in morgues for eight months. 41 of these bodies were recently transported from the morgues in Imphal, while the remaining 46 had been in Churachandpur.

The ethnic clashes in Manipur began on May 3, triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized in the state’s hill districts. This march was a response to the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status. The ongoing violence has tragically resulted in approximately 200 fatalities to date.