Demonstrators dismantled a security bunker outside the residence of a lawmaker during a protest in Imphal West, in the northeastern state of Manipur, India, last week. REUTERS

India will deploy an additional 5,000 paramilitary troops to quell unrest in Manipur, authorities announced Tuesday, a week after 16 people were killed in fresh clashes in the troubled state. Manipur in India's northeast has been plagued by periodic clashes for over 18 months between the Meitei and Kuki communities, dividing the state into ethnic enclaves.

Ten Kuki militants were killed when they attempted to attack police last week, leading to the apparent retaliation killing of six Meitei civilians, whose bodies were found in Jiribam district days later. New Delhi has "ordered 50 additional companies of paramilitary forces to go to Manipur", a government source in New Delhi with knowledge of the matter told AFP on condition of anonymity. Each company of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), a paramilitary unit overseen by the home ministry and responsible for internal security, has 100 troops.

The Business Standard newspaper reported that the additional forces would be deployed in the state by the end of the week. India already has thousands of troops attempting to maintain peace in the conflict that has claimed at least 200 lives since it began 18 months ago. Manipur has been subjected to periodic internet shutdowns and curfews since the violence erupted last year. Both were reimposed in the state capital Imphal on Saturday after the discovery of the six bodies prompted violent protests by the Meitei community.

The ethnic strife has also displaced tens of thousands of people in the state, which borders war-torn Myanmar. Enraged crowds in the city had attempted to storm the homes of several local politicians. Local media reports said several homes of lawmakers were damaged in arson attacks during the unrest. Long-standing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities revolve around competition for land and jobs. Rights groups have accused local leaders of exacerbating ethnic divisions for political gain.

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