Two days of student unrest outside Kabul university have left at least six dead, according to the students. Student representatives said four were killed late yesterday and a further two in fresh rioting this morning.
Government officials in the capital insist only one person has been killed in the protests. Yesterday, students began a protest against poor conditions in the university's dormitories.
One student died when police were called in to break up the crowd, who were throwing rocks.
The students had issued a list of demands including the release of students arrested during the riots. There was no official confirmation that any students had been arrested.
Today, the Reuters news agency said that students charged at riot police, shouting 'death to the student-killers'. The police turned water cannon on them.
They opened fire with rifles, initially into the air and then into the crowd, after the crowd began throwing stones. Police were also seen beating protesters with batons.
The government and students differ over the number of students killed over the two days: officials say one, students say six.
Afghan President Hamid Karzai expressed sadness over the riots. He also criticised police for firing on students and ordered the ministries of justice, national security and interior to investigate the incident and find those responsible.
