The first day of the protests in Bishkek has passed. Despite the predictions of many people, the day passed comparatively peacefully, without any serious incidents, though the situation during the whole day was really tense. As Mirsulzhan reports, people really don’t know what they are struggling for. They are told that they live in bad conditions as president is doing nothing to make better the life of his nation, and that they should go out and join protests, where they will not only “struggle” for the justice to win, but also will be paid.

The present April protests differ from previous ones, as both sides – government and opposition – are thoroughly prepared and well equipped. Opposition has made many placards, flags and bandannas with slogans like “Bakiev ketsin!” (Bakiev go away!) and used them today in their meeting. Felix Kulov stated that they had prepared 35 thousand bandannas with slogans and all of them had been distributed today. Based on this, he claimed that about 30-35 thousand people had taken part on the first day of the protest. However, Mirsulzhan, who has been reporting directly from the main square Bishkek, where the protests are held, believes that the number of participants do not exceed 3 thousand people. He also comments that opposition is not able to manage its people in the main square, as there is a great lack of food and housing. Most people are frustrated and dissatisfied with their leaders.

Another main feature that present protests differ significantly from previous protests, especially March 24 events, is that it is just happening in Bishkek. There were rumors that protests will also be held in Talas and some other cities, but according to government reports, the situation is calm there and no one is out protesting.

Police is doing its best to keep the situation under control. Mr. Nogoybaev, minister of Internal Affairs, reported early today that no one from police joined opposition and would work hard to make sure that situation will be under control and keep it from any provocative actions. Though, opposition leaders claim that a group of policemen joined them recently, and that they would not wear a green camouflage uniform.

President Kurmanbek Bakiev has different view on the situation. He told to the Russian 1st Channel that “opposition was protesting within the limits of law; if there brake laws, appropriate measures would be taken.” He didn’t clarify exactly what steps will be taken; however, there is a rumor that not long ago SNB and police departments purchased a big supply of rubber bullets.

Despite the statements of many opposition members about south being with them, no meetings or protests were held today in Osh city, southern capital of Kyrgyzstan. Instead, only about dozen of policemen were standing all day in the main square, just to make sure that thing will go well. Instead, a Public Foundation “Golden Goal” distributed brochures called “Our constitution” in three languages – Kyrgyz, Uzbek and Russian, which mainly speaks about the differences and similarities of recently ratified constitutions with the first constitution of Kyrgyz Republic that was adopted in 1993. As they said, the aim of their action is not to have people go for protests on adopting new constitution, but make them aware of laws written in constitution.

Summing up today’s events, I am likely to say that the score is 1:0 to government, as opposition has lost respect of some its people by the end of the day. People are dissatisfied and frustrated. However, it is just a beginning and it is too early to make conclusions. Let’s see what tomorrow holds for us.