U.S. envoy expresses sorrow over ethnic violence in India's northeast

FILE PHOTO: People gather around an ambulance carrying a body of a man killed in a violence between ethnic groups in northeastern state of Manipur, India, June 29, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The U.S. ambassador to New Delhi expressed sorrow over the ethnic violence in India's northeastern state of Manipur on Thursday, and while noting it was an Indian matter he said Washington stood ready to assist if requested.

Nearly 120 people have been killed in clashes between members of the Kuki tribes - who live in the hills, and receive economic benefits and quotas for government jobs and education - and the Meiteis - who control the more prosperous lowlands.