A public disorder occurred in the city of Janaozen (Novy Uzen) in Mangystau Province in western Kazakhstan today, ruining celebrations of the 20th anniversary of independence, ITAR-TASS reports.
Assailants entered the office of Ozenmunaygaz (a branch of the Exploration Extraction Kazmunaygaz, a subsidiary of the Kazmunaygaz Company), trashed the place and set the ground floor on fire. They also started a fire in the city administration building and the nearby Aruana Hotel. A crowd did not allow a fire truck access.
Interfax reported that two police officers were injured. Officials denied that shootouts which had been reported on certain social networks took place. An operative group headed by the Kazakh interior minister is investigating the case.
The Prosecutor General’s Office requested the citizens of Janaozen to avoid crowded public places.
Disorders in Janaozen have been ongoing for over half a year. The city is experiencing mass strikes by petroleum staff, discontent with their wages.
