Riot police seal off varsity
2010-02-09 16:30
Lusaka - Riot police stormed the University of Zambia campus on Tuesday to break up a protest by 500 students who stoned vehicles and blocked a main road to demand that the authorities pay them overdue meal allowances.
Students are entitled to an allowance of about $96 a month to pay for their meals, but they say they have not received their money since classes began in January.
The protesters used logs and stones to block a main road, while throwing rocks and other objects at passing cars.
Riot police used batons to break up the protest and then sealed off the main entrance to campus.
A police spokesperson said: "We have taken control at the university and I can confirm to you that the students were throwing all sorts of objects at motorists.
"We are however in full control and the situation should soon be brought back to normal."
No students have been arrested over the protest, he said.
- AFP