Protesters and police clashed on the streets of Lima on Thursday as thousands of demonstrators from across Peru convened upon the Peruvian capital, facing a massive show of force by local police. The Andean country's weeks-long protest movement, which seeks a complete reset of the government, was sparked by the ouster of former President Pedro Castillo in December and fueled by deep dissatisfaction over living conditions and inequality in the country.<br />''<br />''Protestors marching in Lima, in defiance of a government-ordered state of emergency, demanded the resignation of President Dina Boluarte and called for general elections as soon as possible.<br />''<br />''At least 54 people have been killed amid clashes with security forces since the unrest began. The national Ombudsman's office said, 772 people, including security officials, have been injured.<br />''<br />''Fierce clashes also broke out in the southern city of Arequipa, near its international airport, which suspended flights yesterday.<br />