In Bahrain, security forces launched a crackdown on protestors at Pearl Square in Manama on Wednesday. The move has been taken a day after the imposition of three-month state of emergency yesterday to quell political unrest. Opposition has accused the government of killing three protesters in a violent raid to drive out protestors from the camp at Pearl Square. Bahrain state TV has reported that two policemen died when they were hit by a vehicle after anti-government protesters were driven out. The Interior Ministry said one other policeman was killed, but did not give the cause.Reports say that large number of riot police backed by tanks and helicopters fired shotguns and tear gas canisters at demonstrators for clearing the Pearl Square. Bahrain news agency however reported that all rioters have withdrew from the GCC roundabout without any direct clashes with the Police Force. Ministry of Education has announced closing the universities and all educational institutions from today until further notice. Earlier Saudi-led GCC military force arrived in Bahrain on Monday to help the rulers.The United Nations and the European Union have called for restraint, while Britain has closed its embassy in Manama and advised against all travel to the kingdom.Meanwhile Bahrain's state news agency said the kingdom has recalled its ambassador in Tehran after Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman told that presence of foreign forces and interference in Bahrain’s internal affairs is unacceptable and will further complicate the issue. Iran's Parliament in a statement expressed its support for the uprisings in Libya, Bahrain and Yemen. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that Military intervention in Bahrain by Gulf troops to help quell pro-democracy protests is foul and doomed.Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to Bahrain Mr. Mohan Kumar has said that all Indians in Bahrain are safe and they have been advised to curtail all non-essential travel in the city. Talking to AIR correspondent Dhirendra Ojha the Ambassador said that the embassy is in touch with Indians in Bahrain and also advised the community to stock up food, ration and essential items for few days.
News On AIR | March 16, 2011 8:20 PM
Security forces launch crackdown on protestors in Bahrain