Mumbai: The SENSEX reacted negatively after opening firm, indicating further slide in share values on the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) on May 23 as punters pressed fresh sales at the initial stages in response to the government's fresh steps including redeployment of warships in Arabian Sea.

The BSE Sensitive Index opened firm at 3193.64 as against the May 22 close of 3,175.49, but later fell back sharply to a low of 3,145.39 before being quoted at 3,153.79 at 10:30 hours (IST).

Operators seriously viewed the government's decision on May 22 to cancel soldiers' leave and redeploy the Naval fleet on the West coast and resorted to off-loading their positions covered at the fag end of session on May 22.

However, select second-line counters scored impressive gains on fresh buying at lower price levels by speculators.

PTI