Chile declares state of emergency in Santiago amidst protests

Chile President Sebastian Pinera has declared a “state of emergency” on October 18 due to protest that broke out in capital Santiago after government anunced a hike in metro ticket prices. state of emergency in affected areas has allowed authorities to restrict rights to assemble a movement. Subway services have also been suspended due to  protests. High school students h reportedly swarmed subway stations and trapped thousands of commuters on ir way from work. 

"I have declared a state of emergency and, to that end, I have appointed Major General Javier Iturriaga del Campo as he of national defence, in accordance with provisions of our state of emergency legislation," 

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" entire network is closed due to riots and destruction that prevent minimum security conditions for passengers and workers," metro operator said after attacks against nearly all stations where many gates and turnstiles.

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Protest

Chile is considered to be Latin America's wealthiest nations. Students protests began earlier this week and hundreds of demonstrators mobbed several stations in Santiago due to a 4 per cent increase in subways fares from about $1 to $1.16. protests reportedly turned violent on Friday afteron. officials h closed down all 136 metro stations in city. An official claimed that metro stations will remain closed through weekend as serious destruction me it impossible to operate trains safely. He furr ded that re h been more than 200 incidents on Santigo's subway system in previous days and protests mostly involved school children and older students jumping barriers and forcing gates. 

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government has also filed a complaint under State Security Law which carries prison sentences of three to five years against protesters. In a speech from government palace, President Piñera said, “ security of residents, protecting goods, and rights of each one of our compatriots who have seen complications from actions of true criminals.” 

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(With ANI inputs)