Kazakh president says constitutional order 'restored' , 3,000 people have been arrested - China.org.cn

Constitutional order has been restored in all regions of Kazakhstan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told a meeting of anti-terrorist staff on Friday.

Tokayev said that "terrorists" are using weapons to damage civilian property, so "anti-terrorist operations will continue until the militants are completely eliminated," according to a news release from the presidential administration.

According to Interfax news agency, the country's Ministry of Internal Affairs earlier said all city halls in Kazakhstan had been vacated and are under law enforcement protection.

A total of 26 rioters have been killed and 18 others injured in clashes with the security forces during the mass protests, Interfax reported. More than 3,000 people have been arrested.