29 civilians, policemen killed in Sudan's protests: police

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As many as 29 civilians and policemen were killed over the past three days during the anti- government protests over fuel subsidy cuts in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum and Gezira State, the Sudanese police said Thursday.

"Khartoum and Gezira States witnessed unfortunate incidents which resulted in 29 cases of death among citizens and policemen," said the Sudanese police in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Xinhua.

"A number of people involved in the incidents and policemen also suffered varied injuries, some of whom are in serious conditions," the statement said, contending "some trends tried to exaggerate and double the death toll without verification of the correct figure."

Meanwhile, a wide combing operation against gangsters and saboteurs has been conducted in Sudan, and hundreds of people have been arrested with many of the looted public and private properties being restored, according to the statement.

The Khartoum government on Monday announced a fuel price hike as part of a package of economic reforms aiming at reviving the country's economy, which led to the eruption of the protests.

Sudan's economy has been suffering from difficulties after losing two thirds of oil resources following the separation with South Sudan in 2011.