Riots in Equanter Eastern Province

Several riots have taken place in Equanter's Eastern Province. Ethnic Malatians living in the province have demanded independence from the Kingdom.

Some 70% of residents living in Equanter's Eastern Province are Malatians who have been living in the region for generations.

Several disturbances have taken place in the village of Smallville since last week when posters demanding independence from Equanter was put up across the village. Two days ago, some 40 people took part in a demonstration against the Royal Government of Equanter. Clashes with local village police took place and 8 people were arrested.

The disturbance spread to the provincial capital of Maname where 2,000 people took part in several riots. 12 vehicles were destroyed and 10 shops were damaged during the riots. The Equanterian Royal Police Service (RPS) has despatched anti-riot units to the Eastern Province.

"We believed the riots were started by Malatian agents inside Equanter. They are causing disturbance in the hope of causing internal instability", said a Equanterian Defence spokesman.