Kalistani Major History

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The People's Press
Panic On The Streets of Suldanor
Initially peaceful protests become marred by violence overnight in Sulari
Sulari, Suldanor
January 23rd, 4066

There were distressing scenes and reports of multiple serious injuries overnight in Sulari, Suldanor as protestors took to the streets to oppose the district government. As many as 180,000 people were believed to be involved in a demonstration of dissent against the Conservative Independence Party which currently controls Suldanor.

The protest march was organised by local members of the Labour Party of Kalistan however they invited members of various different organisations- including the Suldanor Green Movement, the Anti-Fascist League and United Against Racism- to attend. Although it was designed to be a peaceful affair, the People's Army was ready to protect protestors if trouble did break out as the 1st and 2nd Regiment were stationed in various positions around the city having conducted training exercises in the run-up to the event. During the day, there was a light-hearted, friendly atmosphere to the rally with many children involved and even complimentary refreshments available.


Protesters walk peacefully through the streets of Sulari

In spite of this, matters took a sudden turn for the worst when counter-protesters arrived near to the march's conclusion. Unlike the peaceful nature of the anti-government demonstrators, the counter-protestors- whose motives are still unclear- had various improvised weapons and, according to unconfirmed eyewitness reports, some carried semi-automatic rifles. The extensive assembled crowd quickly began to dissipate before a lengthy battle for the streets began. The People's Army were swift to move in thanks to effective tracking of the rally but this did not prevent significant harm occurring to those attending the rally, who were not prepared for violent clashes.

Reports are still sketchy and conflicting accounts continue to emerge but it appears that the People's Army had managed to trap the hooligans in one particular area of the city by around 9pm. Afterwards, moving into the crowds with armoured vehicles to finally bring an end to the violence. We spoke to one man who attended the initial march:

As we approached the middle of town, where the rally was meant to finish up, we spotted a large group of people coming in the opposite direction. Then we heard a loud bang- which we thought was gunfire- and at that point everybody just panicked and fled in all directions. Some people went towards the other crowd, picking up stones, bricks, you know anything they could grab a hold of. Luckily the People's Army arrived shortly afterwards so the thugs couldn't do much damage to us but that is what they are: thugs! We had kids around us you know, why would you want to hurt people like that?

A protestor is forced to resort to throwing a pebble to protect himself

The events will do little to ease tensions between the Labour Party supporters and the Conservative Independence Party government (although it should be stated that there has been no link established between the party and the trouble makers). We asked President of the Republic Luca Curti for a statement and he sent us the following:

The President condemns all violence around Kalistan however the events in Suldanor are particularly distressing as they appear to have been motivated by political extremism and targetting innocent, unarmed civilians. However, he would like to praise the work of the People's Army in restoring law and order quickly and efficiently in a far from ideal scenario.

Sulari has returned to normality this morning yet broken glass and cracked pavements leave a reminder of how quickly trouble can erupt...