Gunshots in Kazakhstan, President calls out to Russian troops

C: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/

Kazakhstan records unrest during the protests in the streets of Almaty. The largest city in the country recorded fresh gunshots to disperse the anti-government demonstrations. Citizens protested as the country’s petroleum gas prices skyrocketed. The President calls out to Russian troops to establish peace in the country.

The interior ministry notified the press that 26 armed criminals and 18 security officers lost their lives during the unrest. He also adds that 3,000 or more are behind bars.

Reuters calls out that internet access is going to stay down. And, Russian troops are patrolling in the main square of Almaty. According to local media reports, more than 70 checkpoints have been set up across the country.

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev gave a statement on Friday stating “constitutional order [had] largely been restored in all regions of the country” and that “local authorities [were] in control of the situation”.

Tokayev solely blames foreign-trained terrorists for the unrest without any evidence. He also added that the operation would continue until the elimination of the militants.

The president called The Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) to take care of the unrest. The bloc includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Tajikistan, and Armenia.

The Russian RIA news agency reports that the Russian troops will stay in the country. The bloc sent 2500 soldiers in the name of peacemaking. It is also responsible for the protection and military installations in the country.

A US spokesperson assured the citizen of the situation with Russian Troops. He said that the United States would keep a close eye on Russian troops. He will also make sure that there are no human rights violations. If any action results in the seizure of the Kazakh Institution, the US will intervene in the political dispute.

The government of Kazakhstan tried assuring the citizens about the spike in petroleum prices. The price caps will also normalize in six months. Unfortunately, the assurance failed and only agitated the protesters.

Credits: BBC

Ishita Paul