Kazakhstan’s unrest had resulted in the death of 164 people and about 8,000 were detained by law enforemcement officials in protest-hit areas, national authorities announced on Sunday. The death toll also includes a 4-year-old girl.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of the Central Asian country, said in a statement that the protest-turned-violence had been contained and the government had regained control of the area. However, multiple buildings were set on fire during the unrest.

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On Friday last week, the President had ordered a “shoot to kill” order to armed forces –police and military– in order to restore order. The move has garnered global condemnation. United States Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said it is something he would “resolutely reject.”

“And Kazakhstan has the ability to maintain law and order, to defend the institutions of the state, but to do so in a way that respects the rights of peaceful protesters and also addresses the concerns that they’ve raised – economic concerns, some political concerns,” Blinken added.

The demonstrations, which began in the western part of Kazakhstan, began January 2 over a sharp rise in fuel prices and spread throughout the country, apparently reflecting wider discontent with the authoritarian government. They prompted a Russia-led military alliance to send troops to the country, according to reports from Associated Press.

In a concession, the government announced a 180-day price cap on vehicle fuel and a moratorium on utility rate increases.

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As the unrest mounted, the ministerial cabinet resigned and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev replaced Nursultan Nazarbayev, former longtime leader of Kazakhstan, as head of the National Security Council, according to reports from Associated Press.

Almaty, which is Kazakhstan’s largest city, witnessed intense gunfire, Russian media revealed. Those protesting the fuel price hike set also took control of the city airport briefly.