Kathmandu [Nepal], October 24 – France is deploying around 70,000 security personnel ahead of nationwide protests against rising living costs on Saturday following violence and looting during demonstrations last week.
Police special units about 20 armoured vehicles and 15 water-cannon vehicles will also be deployed to prevent further unrest.
More than 5,00,000 people took to the streets last Saturday with demonstrations accompanied by shop damage, looting and vehicle arson. More than 2,700 people have been arrested so far, according to the report.
Authorities have imposed curfews and restrictions on gatherings in several cities. The Louvre Museum in Paris will remain closed while a football match between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon has been postponed.
The protests began more than a month ago over conditions in schools but have expanded to include opposition to rising prices, living costs and cuts to public services.
President Emmanuel Macron met student organisation representatives on Friday for the first time since the protests began. However, the UNEF student union has vowed to hold a rally on Saturday accusing the government of restricting the right to protest.
The government has warned that further curfews could be imposed if violence resumes. Labour unions are also preparing a strike for November 5.
