ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- Clashes between security forces and protesters over the weekend in Tigray regional state, located in northern part of the country, left three people dead, authorities said on Monday.
In a press statement, Tigray Regional State Communication Affairs Bureau (TRSCAB) said the deadly clashes erupted in Alamata city on Sunday when protesters incited by forces advocating "identity issue" clashed with security forces, leaving three people dead.
The statement further said the Tigray regional state government is ready to accommodate legal and peaceful requests of the people, while it rejects political demands that are done in a coercive manner, warning it will not tolerate those seeking illegal means to satisfy their demands.
Speaking to state media outlet, Haile Misgun, Chief Security Affairs Officer in southern zone of Tigray regional state, said the situation in the city has calmed down through the joint efforts of local authorities with local elders and religious elders.
Alamata city is located on the southern edge of Tigray regional state, near the neighboring Amhara regional state, with ethnic Amhara activists claiming the people living in and around Alamata city as well as the city historically belongs to Amhara regional state.
Some activists from Alamata city and nearby localities are advocating for the creation of a separate autonomous region comprising of areas located in Tigray and Amhara regional state, which they claim will meet the need of their distinctive community.
