S. Koreans Hurl Bombs at Riot Police : Government Marshals Forces to Halt Student March to Border

Thousands of radicals hurling firebombs and rocks battled riot police today as the government began deploying 60,000 police to stop students from marching to the border with North Korea.

Students held rallies at many schools nationwide in support of the planned march Friday to demand South Korea’s reunification with the North. Violent clashes occurred at more than 10 campuses, where students dashed out to hurl firebombs and rocks at riot police who responded with volleys of tear gas.

It was not known immediately how many people were injured or arrested.

“Drive out the Yankees who enforce the partition of our land!” students shouted during the clashes. Radicals have demanded the withdrawal of 42,000 U.S. troops based in South Korea under a mutual defense pact, contending that the U.S. presence hinders reunification of the divided peninsula.

Overnight Vigil Planned

Radical student leaders have called for up to 40,000 students to rally at Seoul’s Yonsei University on Thursday for an overnight vigil before the 30-mile march to the North Korean border.

Police said the university will be completely sealed off Thursday to block the planned rally, but student leaders threatened to stage violent protests in downtown Seoul if the vigil is blocked.

Tens of thousands of riot police took positions today around campuses and other key locations across the country to stop students from rallying in support of the march.

Some radicals vowed to commit suicide. Three students have killed themselves in recent anti-government protests.

Marches Intercepted

Police today intercepted students as they marched in protest off university campuses in the southern city of Kwangju and the southeast city of Taegu.

In the southern port city of Pusan, 5,000 students from 12 schools held a rally at a university before leaving for Seoul, although thousands of police guarded bus terminals and railway stations to block their way.

On campuses in other provincial cities, students occupied school buildings after faculty members refused their demands to provide transport.

President Roh Tae Woo said he supports North-South student exchanges and debate but urged students to leave contact with the North to official channels. Opposition leaders also appealed to students to postpone the march.