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however , this brought about the changes needed as the Kyrgyz people felt they were being pushed further from their homelands . In the late 1980 ’ s Kyrgyz represented less than 25 % of the total population .
In the years following the collapse of USSR the Kyrgyz Republic went into a period of political instability , corruption and criminal activities were coming to the fore within the political sphere leading to a number of assassinations . The unrest was spreading , and the people wanted change .
In April of 2010 it came to a head . Protestors gathered in Bishkek demanding reformation , something the government declined and set about arresting opposition leaders and political activists . Blood was shed , and it ’ s believed that at least 80 civilian protestors were killed by state-led police and military .
Political change occurred but it wasn ’ t enough as the Kyrgyz leaders
accused Russia of meddling in the affairs of the former Soviet Republic , something they denied , whilst at the same time opposition was growing towards a United States military base at Manas International Airport . The situation in Bishkek was resolved however , ethnic tensions remain and cross border clashes with Tajikistan still occur in the south of the country .
Today , Bishkek feels a safe and free city that continues to undergo change . Despite a relatively
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