AKIPRESS.COM - A group of villagers in Alai district of Osh region prevented businessmen from starting to work at the natural stone deposit, Turmush reports.

Over 100 villagers took to streets on July 28 for protest action, head of the Tash-Koro village Maksutali Taimamatov said.

Villagers fear destruction of pasture lands if the works at the mine are to continue. Taimamatov said the villagers' demand is being ignored for 5 years.

"Businessmen claim they have licenses, and show the resolution of the Katta-Taldyk village. On July 28, villagers gathered and demanded the businessmen to withdraw their heavy machinery. There were about 20 people from the second side, and it resulted in a conflict. The locals are ready to hold another protest action if the works will not be halted," he said.

Head of Gulchin village Altynbek Bolbur uulu sent an inquiry to the Kara-Suu district administration to find out if the works at the mine were legal.