Scuffles persist in stronghold of deposed president of Kyrgyzstan after bloody uprising

Kyrgyz scuffles persist in ex-leader’s stronghold

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — Hundreds of supporters of Kyrgyzstan’s interim government clashed Wednesday with followers of the deposed president, as authorities struggle to restore order two weeks after a bloody revolt in the Central Asian nation.

Witnesses told The Associated Press that scuffles broke out between provisional government supporters and supporters of ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiyev in Jalal-Abad’s central square. Jalal-Abad, in Kyrgyzstan’s south, is one of the few remaining towns where support for the toppled leader is still visible.

Bakiyev is being sheltered by Belarus. Kyrgyz officials plan to seek his extradition to answer for the deaths of at least 85 people during the uprising.

The shaky interim coalition, which is set to run the former Soviet country for six months, is struggling to restore stability. The efforts are being watched with concern by Russia and the United States, both of which have military bases there.

Belarus’ authoritarian President Alexander Lukashenko said Tuesday that Bakiyev and his family are under his personal protection.

Bakiyev arrived in Belarus earlier this week after fleeing Kyrgyzstan initially for neighboring Kazakhstan in an internationally brokered arrangement.