The World : Seoul to Bar Border March

Thousands of South Korean students, hurling firebombs and rocks, battled riot police in Seoul after the government announced that it will deploy 60,000 officers to prevent students from marching to the border with North Korea for reunification talks. Police said 482 people were detained after raids on rail and bus stations in search of youths suspected of planning to participate. Rallies were held nationwide in support of the march, set for Friday, and clashes at nearly a dozen campuses were reported. Students, who earlier rejected pleas from opposition party leaders to postpone the march, have also demanded the withdrawal of 42,000 U.S. troops based in South Korea under a mutual defense pact, contending the U.S. presence hinders reunification.