Petitioners unrest 'under control' in Gansu

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-11-19 06:46

LANZHOU -- Authorities in northwest China's Gansu Province have put the violent protest under control after a group of petitioners attacked local government buildings on Monday night, said a provincial government official.

The protesters have left the government building and the social order has resumed normal in Longnan City, where the unrest erupted, on Tuesday night.

More than 30 residents in Dongjiang Town, Wudu District, who faced resettlement, gathered at the city's government around 9:30 a.m. on Monday, asking the authorities for proper solutions concerning their farmland, housing and livelihoods.

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Petitioners attack govt buildings in NW China

The unrest resulted from a planned relocation of the city's government which would force the residents to be resettled.

The protesters talked with some officials on Monday but they failed to reach any agreement. On Monday night, more people joined them and some of the protesters attacked government buildings, damaged vehicles and facilities, and injured some policemen who tried to maintain order, according to a report of the provincial government.

The government's relocation plan has not been approved by the central government yet, the report said.