Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's India visit planned for month-end remains on schedule despite the crisis the country saw in the past few weeks.

The president will be on India visit on January 26 and 27 to take part in India's Republic Day celebrations. New Delhi has invited all leaders of five&nbsp;central Asian countries as the chief guest at the grand annual parade.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-calls-for-dialogue-and-justice-to-end-unrest-in-kazakhstan-443684" hreflang="en">Pope Francis calls for dialogue and justice to end unrest in Kazakhstan</a>

India shares close cultural and historic linkages with the countries of the region and has upped its engagement with the five&nbsp;countries.

The central Asian country's massive upheaval which President&nbsp;Tokayev&nbsp;has called an attempted coup during Monday's extraordinary virtual meeting of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).&nbsp;

The largest country in terms of land area in Central Asia, Kazakhstan has been stable and peaceful since it declared independence in 1991 from the then Soviet Union.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-led-bloc-will-stymie-any-coups-says-putin-after-kazakhstan-riots-443585" hreflang="en">Russian-led bloc will stymie any coups, says Putin after Kazakhstan riots</a>

India has also reacted to developments in the country.&nbsp;The ministry of external affairs (MEA) in response to a question extended its "deepest condolences to families of innocent victims who have lost lives in the violence", highlighting as a "close and friendly partner of Kazakhstan" New Delhi looks "forward to an early stabilization of the situation".

There are around 7800 members of the Indian community in Kazakhstan. Out of this, about 5,300 are Indian students, about 2,280 are construction workers and the rest are in various professional fields.

On the situation of the community, the MEA statement said, "coordination with authorities has helped ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals. They are advised to follow local security instructions and get in touch with the Embassy of India for any assistance".

In the past as well India has been invited Kazakhstan as the chief guest at the republic day parade. In 2009, the then president of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev was the chief guest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the country 2 times, one in July 2015 for a bilateral visit and then again in June 2017 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's India visit planned for month-end remains on schedule despite the crisis the country saw in the past few weeks. The president will be on India visit on January 26 and 27 to take part in India's Republic Day celebrations.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's India visit planned for month-end remains on schedule despite the crisis the country saw in the past few weeks. The president will be on India visit on January 26 and 27 to take part in India's Republic Day celebrations. New Delhi has invited all leaders of five central Asian countries as the chief guest at the grand annual parade. Also read | Pope Francis calls for dialogue and justice to end unrest in Kazakhstan India shares close cultural and historic linkages with the countries of the region and has upped its engagement with the five countries. The central Asian country's massive upheaval which President Tokayev has called an attempted coup during Monday's extraordinary virtual meeting of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO). The largest country in terms of land area in Central Asia, Kazakhstan has been stable and peaceful since it declared independence in 1991 from the then Soviet Union. Also read | Russian-led bloc will stymie any coups, says Putin after Kazakhstan riots India has also reacted to developments in the country. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) in response to a question extended its "deepest condolences to families of innocent victims who have lost lives in the violence", highlighting as a "close and friendly partner of Kazakhstan" New Delhi looks "forward to an early stabilization of the situation". There are around 7800 members of the Indian community in Kazakhstan. Out of this, about 5,300 are Indian students, about 2,280 are construction workers and the rest are in various professional fields. On the situation of the community, the MEA statement said, "coordination with authorities has helped ensure the safety and security of Indian nationals. They are advised to follow local security instructions and get in touch with the Embassy of India for any assistance". In the past as well India has been invited Kazakhstan as the chief guest at the republic day parade. In 2009, the then president of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev was the chief guest. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the country 2 times, one in July 2015 for a bilateral visit and then again in June 2017 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit.

Despite crisis, Kazakh President Tokayev's India visit on schedule

Local media in Kazakhstan reported on Sunday that at least 164 people have died in the wake of violent protests this week.

Previously, officials had said 26 protesters and 16 security officers had been killed in the unrest that erupted over fuel hikes and escalated into clashes with law enforcement.

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The Interior Ministry said more than 4,400 people have been arrested. The protests spread to the country’s largest city, Almaty, where demonstrators seized and burned government buildings.

The former head of Kazakhstan’s counterintelligence and anti-terror agency has been arrested on charges of attempted government overthrow.

The arrest of Karim Masimov was announced&nbsp;by the National Security Committee, which Masimov headed until he was removed this week by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-kazakhstan-unrest-turns-deadly-dozens-of-protesters-killed-in-unprecedented-violence-442657">In Pics: Kazakhstan unrest turns deadly, 'dozens' of protesters killed in unprecedented violence</a>

A number of "strategic facilities" in Kazakhstan are under the guard of a Russia-led military alliance invited to restore order, the presidential office said.

At Tokayev's invitation, the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) sent troops to restore order, an intervention that comes at a time of high tension in Russia-US&nbsp;relations ahead of new talks on the Ukraine crisis.

"A number of strategic facilities have been transferred under the protection of the united peacekeeping contingent of the CSTO member states," the presidential office said in a statement detailing a security briefing chaired by Tokayev.

"The situation has been stabilised in all regions of the country," it said, adding law enforcement agencies had seized back control of administrative buildings and vital services were being restored.

The demonstrations in Kazakhstan began as a response to Tokayev replacing the president of the resource-rich former Soviet republic, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

The protests in the Central Asian nation were the most widespread since Kazakhstan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

(With inputs from agencies)

Local media in Kazakhstan reported on Sunday that at least 164 people have died in the wake of violent protests this week. Previously, officials had said 26 protesters and 16 security officers had been killed in the unrest that erupted over fuel hikes and escalated into clashes with law enforcement.

Local media in Kazakhstan reported on Sunday that at least 164 people have died in the wake of violent protests this week. Previously, officials had said 26 protesters and 16 security officers had been killed in the unrest that erupted over fuel hikes and escalated into clashes with law enforcement. The Interior Ministry said more than 4,400 people have been arrested. The protests spread to the country’s largest city, Almaty, where demonstrators seized and burned government buildings. The former head of Kazakhstan’s counterintelligence and anti-terror agency has been arrested on charges of attempted government overthrow. The arrest of Karim Masimov was announced by the National Security Committee, which Masimov headed until he was removed this week by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Also read | In Pics: Kazakhstan unrest turns deadly, 'dozens' of protesters killed in unprecedented violence A number of "strategic facilities" in Kazakhstan are under the guard of a Russia-led military alliance invited to restore order, the presidential office said. At Tokayev's invitation, the Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) sent troops to restore order, an intervention that comes at a time of high tension in Russia-US relations ahead of new talks on the Ukraine crisis. "A number of strategic facilities have been transferred under the protection of the united peacekeeping contingent of the CSTO member states," the presidential office said in a statement detailing a security briefing chaired by Tokayev. "The situation has been stabilised in all regions of the country," it said, adding law enforcement agencies had seized back control of administrative buildings and vital services were being restored. The demonstrations in Kazakhstan began as a response to Tokayev replacing the president of the resource-rich former Soviet republic, Nursultan Nazarbayev. The protests in the Central Asian nation were the most widespread since Kazakhstan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. (With inputs from agencies)

164 people killed in Kazakhstan, 'strategic facilities' under guard

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Kazakhstan counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had a “lengthy” conversation over the phone on the present unrest in the Central Asian country and exchanged views on measures taken to “restore order” in the region, the Kremlin said on Saturday.

Tokayev said Kazakhstan would relentlessly pursue what he called the fight against terrorism, according to a statement on the Kazakh presidential website.

Tokayev also thanked the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO)— a Russia-led military alliance of six former Soviet states—for its help in quelling the protests that broke out earlier this week.

The two leaders agreed to remain in “constant” contact and to hold a CSTO video conference meeting in the coming days, the Kremlin added.

In what started out as a protest against a spike in fuel prices, the dissatisfaction soon veered towards the ruling establishment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kazakhstan-unrest-what-sparked-the-protests-and-how-they-will-affect-global-geopolitics-443011">Kazakhstan unrest: What sparked the protests and how they will affect global geopolitics</a>

The violence erupted when police fired tear gas and stun grenades at thousands protesting in Almaty late on Tuesday.

The protesters stormed government buildings including the city administration headquarters and presidential residence, setting them ablaze, prompting Tokayev to call in troops from the Moscow-led alliance.

A nationwide state of emergency was also declared. The interior ministry said 26 “armed criminals” had been killed in the unrest.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/security-officials-killed-in-kazakhstan-protests-russian-alliance-sends-troops-442629">Security officials killed in Kazakhstan protests; Russian alliance sends troops</a>

It said 18 security officers had been killed and more than 740 wounded.

More than 4,000 people have been detained, including some foreigners, according to the ministry.

According to news reports, much of the anger was directed towards Nursultan Nazarbayev, who was the president from independence until resigning in 2019 and anointing Tokayev as his successor.

Critics have accused him and his family of staying in control behind the scenes and accumulating vast wealth at the expense of ordinary citizens.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Kazakhstan counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had a “lengthy” conversation over the phone on the present unrest in the Central Asian country and exchanged views on measures taken to “restore order” in the region, the Kremlin said on Saturday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Kazakhstan counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev had a “lengthy” conversation over the phone on the present unrest in the Central Asian country and exchanged views on measures taken to “restore order” in the region, the Kremlin said on Saturday. Tokayev said Kazakhstan would relentlessly pursue what he called the fight against terrorism, according to a statement on the Kazakh presidential website. Tokayev also thanked the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO)— a Russia-led military alliance of six former Soviet states—for its help in quelling the protests that broke out earlier this week. The two leaders agreed to remain in “constant” contact and to hold a CSTO video conference meeting in the coming days, the Kremlin added. In what started out as a protest against a spike in fuel prices, the dissatisfaction soon veered towards the ruling establishment. Also read | Kazakhstan unrest: What sparked the protests and how they will affect global geopolitics The violence erupted when police fired tear gas and stun grenades at thousands protesting in Almaty late on Tuesday. The protesters stormed government buildings including the city administration headquarters and presidential residence, setting them ablaze, prompting Tokayev to call in troops from the Moscow-led alliance. A nationwide state of emergency was also declared. The interior ministry said 26 “armed criminals” had been killed in the unrest. Also read | Security officials killed in Kazakhstan protests; Russian alliance sends troops It said 18 security officers had been killed and more than 740 wounded. More than 4,000 people have been detained, including some foreigners, according to the ministry. According to news reports, much of the anger was directed towards Nursultan Nazarbayev, who was the president from independence until resigning in 2019 and anointing Tokayev as his successor. Critics have accused him and his family of staying in control behind the scenes and accumulating vast wealth at the expense of ordinary citizens. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin, Kazakh leader Tokayev discuss measures to ‘restore order’ in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has largely been a peaceful country ever since it got freedom from the erstwhile the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics&nbsp;(USSR). The entire politics of the country revolved around its leader Nursultan Nazarbayev ever since then. He has been everything for this country and was known of ruling through autocratic measures. There was no opposition in the country and fair elections were never held. He had a coterie of influential businessmen around him who became wealthier and wealthier while the common men of the country suffered from the worst. As per a report of Wall Street Journal, top 162 wealthy men of Kazakhstan hold 55 per cent&nbsp;of Nation’s wealth as of December 2021.

Even when the International Monetary fund (IMF) put country’s growth as one of the most progressive economies of Central Asia, average annual wages of a common men were below $100 per month. Nursultan however, sailed the country through many ups and downs over last 30 years till he resigned in 2019 and was appointed as Chairman of the Security Council of Kazakhstan.

But as the former soviet state moved into the year 2022, protests started all over the country over rising fuel prices resulting in a nationwide emergency and&nbsp;large-scale bloodshed all across Kazakhstan. The entire cabinet resigned and the country is amidst chaos now. As I write this article, over 50 people have been killed and a similar number have been injured in the ongoing violence while government forces have arrested over 4500 people as per official estimates. The exact numbers may be much higher. Several thousands of Russian Paratroopers have moved in the country to establish law and order and a massive crackdown on the protesters is underway. “Shoot to Kill” orders are issued to the security forces and Nursultan Nazarbayev was removed from the position of “Chairman of the Security Council”.

The protests which started in a far-flung city of Zhanaozen on Jan 2, 2022, spread like a wildfire first to the nearby towns and then to the commercial capital of the country- Almaty on Jan 4, 2022. Capital Nursultan was also not spared and soon protesters were seen on the roads of all major cities of Kazakhstan with firearms looted from armouries. There are inputs that an unknown number of foreign mercenaries were also part of the mob who were hired by the wealthy business tycoons of the nation. Such kind of widespread movement does not form in a few days and there were strong reasons why this protest spread like wildfire.

These protests were not new. Kazakh people have been engaged in a series of protests since 2018 and been pushing the government to act for the welfare of its citizen. It is strongly felt that the oil price hike was not the reason of these protests but a trigger to them. The most important reason was the rampant corruption and government’s active support to the elites of the country. Ever since Kazakhstan came into existence as a free country, Nursultan Nazarbayev has been ruling. It was not a poor country in terms of natural resources. It owned over 40 per cent&nbsp;of the world’s Uranium reserves, large oil reserves and was among the top 15 countries with respect to the reserves of Natural Gas. However, as brought out earlier, few business elites owned a sizeable proportion of country’s wealth and owned large properties all across Europe while common men suffered badly.

At the same time, there was no voice in Kazakhstan. There was no opposition and anyone opposing Nazarbayev was punished severely. This prompted locals to adopt the strategy of raising a collective voice trough protest than standing individually. They carried out timely protests all across the country in large numbers which were difficult to supress.

The third most important reason for these protests was rising inflation and the concurrent issue of fuel price hike was part of it. Year 2021 witnessed worst of it when average inflation rate in Kazakhstan was over 8.9%. IMF predicted the inflation to cross 14.1% in 2022. This was primarily because of a nationwide drought, rising fuel costs and a worst performing currency. Moreover, the elites of the country were engaged in making money and transferring the country’s money to their European strongholds which brought the common men of the country on streets.

Irregularities in 2019 Presidential Elections of Kazakhstan were the fourth reason which led to these protests. Kassym Jomart Tokayev who was a candidate sponsored by Nursultan Nazarbayev got over 70 per cent votes and was elected as the president. Due to the biased elections, soon after the results were announced, people came on streets, but Kazakh government cracked down on them arresting all major protesting leaders. Protests were silenced for the time being, but these protests raised the foundation of Jan 2022 events.

The immediate trigger was the crackdown on the protesters in Zhanaozen on&nbsp;December 11, 2021 who were gathered to pay remembrance to their fallen comrades killed during police crackdown ten years ago. While the iron was still hot, government-issued notifications raising fuel price by double which brought entire of the country together and as a result, Kazakh parliament had to resign. Forces of “Central Collective Security Organisation” especially Russia moved its forces to establish law and order in the country and it made headlines all over the world.

Biggest question is what now?

Although severity of the protests has gone down and it is assumed that within next two weeks, peace will prevail in the Central Asian country, but a comprehensive solution is to be brought out with the help of members of Central Collective Security Organisation. There will be no permanent solution unless the country goes for a fair election, has the government of its choice and measures for the welfare of its working class are ensured. Nazarbayev’s era should come to an end and a people’s government to be instituted.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Kazakhstan has largely been a peaceful country ever since it got freedom from the erstwhile the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The entire politics of the country revolved around its leader Nursultan Nazarbayev ever since then.

Kazakhstan has largely been a peaceful country ever since it got freedom from the erstwhile the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). The entire politics of the country revolved around its leader Nursultan Nazarbayev ever since then. He has been everything for this country and was known of ruling through autocratic measures. There was no opposition in the country and fair elections were never held. He had a coterie of influential businessmen around him who became wealthier and wealthier while the common men of the country suffered from the worst. As per a report of Wall Street Journal, top 162 wealthy men of Kazakhstan hold 55 per cent of Nation’s wealth as of December 2021. Even when the International Monetary fund (IMF) put country’s growth as one of the most progressive economies of Central Asia, average annual wages of a common men were below $100 per month. Nursultan however, sailed the country through many ups and downs over last 30 years till he resigned in 2019 and was appointed as Chairman of the Security Council of Kazakhstan. But as the former soviet state moved into the year 2022, protests started all over the country over rising fuel prices resulting in a nationwide emergency and large-scale bloodshed all across Kazakhstan. The entire cabinet resigned and the country is amidst chaos now. As I write this article, over 50 people have been killed and a similar number have been injured in the ongoing violence while government forces have arrested over 4500 people as per official estimates. The exact numbers may be much higher. Several thousands of Russian Paratroopers have moved in the country to establish law and order and a massive crackdown on the protesters is underway. “Shoot to Kill” orders are issued to the security forces and Nursultan Nazarbayev was removed from the position of “Chairman of the Security Council”. The protests which started in a far-flung city of Zhanaozen on Jan 2, 2022, spread like a wildfire first to the nearby towns and then to the commercial capital of the country- Almaty on Jan 4, 2022. Capital Nursultan was also not spared and soon protesters were seen on the roads of all major cities of Kazakhstan with firearms looted from armouries. There are inputs that an unknown number of foreign mercenaries were also part of the mob who were hired by the wealthy business tycoons of the nation. Such kind of widespread movement does not form in a few days and there were strong reasons why this protest spread like wildfire. These protests were not new. Kazakh people have been engaged in a series of protests since 2018 and been pushing the government to act for the welfare of its citizen. It is strongly felt that the oil price hike was not the reason of these protests but a trigger to them. The most important reason was the rampant corruption and government’s active support to the elites of the country. Ever since Kazakhstan came into existence as a free country, Nursultan Nazarbayev has been ruling. It was not a poor country in terms of natural resources. It owned over 40 per cent of the world’s Uranium reserves, large oil reserves and was among the top 15 countries with respect to the reserves of Natural Gas. However, as brought out earlier, few business elites owned a sizeable proportion of country’s wealth and owned large properties all across Europe while common men suffered badly. At the same time, there was no voice in Kazakhstan. There was no opposition and anyone opposing Nazarbayev was punished severely. This prompted locals to adopt the strategy of raising a collective voice trough protest than standing individually. They carried out timely protests all across the country in large numbers which were difficult to supress. The third most important reason for these protests was rising inflation and the concurrent issue of fuel price hike was part of it. Year 2021 witnessed worst of it when average inflation rate in Kazakhstan was over 8.9%. IMF predicted the inflation to cross 14.1% in 2022. This was primarily because of a nationwide drought, rising fuel costs and a worst performing currency. Moreover, the elites of the country were engaged in making money and transferring the country’s money to their European strongholds which brought the common men of the country on streets. Irregularities in 2019 Presidential Elections of Kazakhstan were the fourth reason which led to these protests. Kassym Jomart Tokayev who was a candidate sponsored by Nursultan Nazarbayev got over 70 per cent votes and was elected as the president. Due to the biased elections, soon after the results were announced, people came on streets, but Kazakh government cracked down on them arresting all major protesting leaders. Protests were silenced for the time being, but these protests raised the foundation of Jan 2022 events. The immediate trigger was the crackdown on the protesters in Zhanaozen on December 11, 2021 who were gathered to pay remembrance to their fallen comrades killed during police crackdown ten years ago. While the iron was still hot, government-issued notifications raising fuel price by double which brought entire of the country together and as a result, Kazakh parliament had to resign. Forces of “Central Collective Security Organisation” especially Russia moved its forces to establish law and order in the country and it made headlines all over the world. Biggest question is what now? Although severity of the protests has gone down and it is assumed that within next two weeks, peace will prevail in the Central Asian country, but a comprehensive solution is to be brought out with the help of members of Central Collective Security Organisation. There will be no permanent solution unless the country goes for a fair election, has the government of its choice and measures for the welfare of its working class are ensured. Nazarbayev’s era should come to an end and a people’s government to be instituted. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion-Decoding Kazakhstan protests