Toll in Kyrgyz riots reaches 26 (Lead)

June 11th, 2010 - 8:20 pm ICT by IANS  

Bishkek, June 11 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The toll in riots in the southern Kyrgyz city of Osh has risen to 26, while 416 people have been hospitalised, the health ministry said Friday.
Riots broke out in Osh Thursday night, reportedly after a fight between locals and members of the city’s Uzbek population. Groups of youths rampaged through the city, setting fire to cars and buildings and breaking shop windows.

Earlier reports said 23 people had died and about 330 were injured during the overnight clashes.

Police said the violence has now been brought under control.

Earlier, Kyrgyzstan’s interim government imposed a state of emergency in Osh and its surrounding regions till June 20.

More than 1,000 servicemen and police have been deployed to patrol the area and blocks have been set up on the road that leads to the city.

Clashes have become commonplace in Kyrgyzstan since the violent overthrow of the republic’s government and president in early April.

–IANS/RIA Novosti

kv/vm

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