Several killed and dozens injured in new Iran unrest
World News
Aug 17, 2003
TEHRAN - Six people were killed and dozens injured on Saturday in central Iran during unrest caused by a local administrative dispute, the Kayhan newspaper reported on Sunday.
Protesters were incensed that a proposed new administrative zone would mean leaving a community with which they had strong cultural and commercial ties, a regional official told state television.
Television showed gutted houses, burned-out cars and streets littered with stones and broken glass in the town of Samirom in the province of Isfahan.
Kayhan reported four protesters and two riot police died in clashes. Government and local officials declined to comment on the unrest to Reuters.
Demonstrators had gathered outside the governor's office to protest about joining the new administrative zone.
The crowd then burned tyres and set cars and houses ablaze. Some government buildings were also attacked. State television said a number of rioters were arrested.
State radio quoted an official as saying order had returned to the streets. He added that the Interior Ministry would review the proposed new administrative zones that sparked the unrest.
Administrative border changes have led to violent protests in other areas of Iran in recent years. Peaceful demonstrations were also taking place on Sunday in the northeastern Khorasan province over a similar zoning dispute.
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