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Almaty Kazakhstan Protests Explained: Everything you need to know about the rising protest in Central-Asian Country

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Almaty Kazakhstan Protests Explained: Everything you need to know about the rising protest in Central-Asian Country

Almaty Kazakhstan Protests Explained: Kazakhstan, the largest country in central Asia, a country of 19 million people and the home of about 120 ethnic groups and nationalities. Kazakhstan is a neighbour of two superpowers China and Russia but still rarely makes headlines. Kazakhstan is considered a very peaceful country, and protests are rare here. But at the starting of the new year (2022), some such news has come from this country, which is very difficult to believe.

Several cities across the country are witnessing protests by thousands of people against the government over the hike in LPG prices, which most Kazakhs use as car fuel.

The worst is being reported in the country’s largest city of Almaty and western Mangistau province, where a state of emergency has been declared for two weeks. Under this emergency, curfew has been imposed from 11 PM to 7 AM and vehicular movement has been restricted. Not only this but the mass gathering of people has also been banned.

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Although President Kasim-Jomart Tokayev announced on Tuesday that fuel prices would be reset, and announced his resignation on Wednesday, but still protests continue.

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Why & How did the protests started in Kazakhstan?

Let us tell you, Kazakhstan is rich in natural resources including coal, oil, natural gas and uranium and has significant renewable potential from wind, solar, hydro and biomass. In spite of this, the country is currently dependent upon fossil fuels for power generation.

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The fuel market reform was broached by the government for the first time in 2015. The purpose of this fuel market reform was to demand the removal of the state price cap for butane and propane. Let us tell you, butane and propane are also called ‘road fuel for the poor’ due to their low cost. The situation in the country worsened when, past subsidies, led to a situation where major oil producer Kazakhstan regularly faced butane and propane shortages.

And when prices were completely liberalized on January 1, people were expecting the government to increase supply in the domestic market and help address chronic shortages. But this did not happen, as LPG prices almost doubled overnight to 120 tanges per litre.

Casualties

Let us tell you, according to Sputnik, a Russian news agency – “Eight police and national guard troops were killed in the protests in Almaty on Tuesday and Wednesday

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Meanwhile, another news agency Reuters reported – “Demonstrators have taken control of the airport in Almaty“.

Armenia’s prime minister stated – “Russia-led security alliance of ex-Soviet states will soon send peacekeeping forces to Kazakhstan“.

(With Agencies Inputs)

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Lokendra Deswar: A visionary Editor-in-Chief at Unique News Online, Lokendra wields 6+ years of seasoned experience. His academic prowess and keen insights shape his coverage of Politics, Viral stories, Sports, and Technology, offering a well-rounded perspective that captivates and informs.

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