BISHKEK, November 7 (RIA Novosti) - Four people have reportedly been hospitalized with gunshot wounds and two with gas poisoning during clashes between supporters of the opposition and the incumbent leadership in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek.
Shooting and cries have been heard from the site of the confrontations, while police have begun using riot gear against the demonstrators.
Two armored personnel carriers, mounted police and troops have arrived at the site of a rally by some 2,000 government supporters in Bishkek, a RIA Novosti correspondent reported Tuesday.
The opposition rally is continuing on a neighboring square, where some 15,000 people have reportedly gathered.
The history museum building separates the two crowds.
Troops of the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry are reportedly trying to oust protesters from the site of the opposition rally in the capital's central square.
The protesters, armed with stones and sticks, are moving toward the troops.
The opposition accuses President Kurmanbek Bakiyev and the government of failing to deliver on promises to crack down on corruption and raise living standards in the impoverished ex-Soviet republic since coming to power in 2005 on the back of a violent public uprising, or 'tulip revolution.'
His rule has been marred by economic problems, high-profile murders, prison riots, and disputes over the control of lucrative businesses.
Protesters gathered Tuesday in front of the government building for the sixth day in a row to apply pressure on the president to either delegate some of his powers to the legislature, or else resign.
The protesters say they are determined to remain in front of the government building until all their demands, including the immediate resignation of President Bakiyev and Prime Minister Felix Kulov, are satisfied.
Kyrgyzstan's government said earlier Tuesday it does not recognize the Constituent Assembly that opposition legislators formed to adopt a new Constitution to restrict presidential powers.
"The government does not recognize the Constituent Assembly that was formed in circumvention of the Constitution, and calls on people to remain calm and not react to provocations," the government said in a statement.
