Protests broke out in the city of Zhanaozen in Kazakhstan on Sunday over a steep hike to liquefied gas prices, and quickly spread to other parts of the country indicating a deeper discontent among the people.

As the protests spread, the home of Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev in the city of Almaty was set ablaze by protestors on Wednesday. The government for its part has resigned, but Tokayev and his ministers will hold their posts till a new cabinet is formed. Tokayev has also vowed to take harsh actions against protestors, saying, “we intend to act with maximum severity regarding law-breakers.”