Situation in town is stable: Zhanaozen residents

Zhanaozen residents note that the situation in the town is stable, Tengrinews.kz reports citing the official website of Kazakhstan Prime-Minister Karim Massimov. The town’s appearance is back to normal, the shops are working. “I am very glad that mobile food shops are arriving more frequently now. At the New Year’s Eve the residents of the neighboring villages could get food at lower prices and did not have to go to Zhanaozen. The situation is much better both in Zhanaozen and in the neighboring villages,” Chairman of Aksakals Council (council of senior village representatives) of Kyzylsai village Zhaksylyk Konlimkosov said. Besides, public transport is back in operation as well. “It was difficult to get to work and back home in the first days. Right now it is much better. Small buses are in line and big ones will get back soon,” Zhanaozen resident Rakhat Issanbergenov said. Clashes in Zhanaozen happened on December 16. State of emergency was announced in the town until January 5, 2012. December 19 the number of victims reached 16 people. 10 thousand people are ensuring security in the town. Over 40 facilities were burnt during the riots. Government commission was formed to coordinate restoration of the town.