The death toll from protests in Kazakhstan has risen to 164 so far. They were killed in the
clashes that erupted as protests against the rise in petroleum prices escalated. Citing the health minister, local media reported that the death toll could be even higher.
The ongoing unrest in the Central Asian nation of Kazakhstan, with a population of about 19 million, has displaced nearly 6,000 people. Of the 164 people killed during the protests, 103 died in the largest city, Almaty. The death toll in Almaty has risen sharply, with the city seen as the epicenter of the protests.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Office on Sunday, some of the displaced are foreigners. “Normally, the situation is stable across the country, but in some places security personnel have become more active and aggressive. They have also carried out security operations,” the statement said.
The statement came after President Kassym Jomart Tokayev discussed the crisis with
stakeholders. Due to the anti-inflation movement, the President dissolved the government and declared a state of emergency, but the agitation is still raging across the country.
The protesters also claimed that the increase in the price of petroleum products was
unscientific and unhealthy. Hundreds of others were arrested and some were injured during
the protests, according to various media outlets.
By Muna Chand
