Authorities in the northwestern Chinese province of Gansu have imposed a curfew on districts of Longnan city following two days of violence between security forces and local residents resisting eviction. Fighting began Nov. 17, when some 1,000 people attacked a government office, smashing cars and beating police and officials. A group of more than 30 seeking redress for the loss of their homes and land were joined by hundreds more outside a petition office.

An official statement said that after repeated attempts at mediation failed, police "had no option but to use force to disperse the leaders of the rioting criminals"—but the protesters resisted with rocks, bricks and farm implements, and overran the offices. (RFA, Nov. 21; Reuters, Nov. 17)

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