DUSHANBE, June 15, 2011, Asia-Plus -- The unofficial meeting took place this morning in the Gorno-Badakshan Autonomous Oblast’s administrative center, Khorog.

Eyewitnesses say more than 500 people, mainly youth, gathered at a local square in front of the regional administration’s office.

Head of GBAO, Kodiri Kosim, is now talking to the protesters. Earlier, the protesters gave him the list of their demands which remain unclear for now.

“People want courts and prosecutor’s offices to prevent violation of their rights,” one of the eyewitnesses told the AP.

GBAO’s Police Department has confirmed the information about the protest. The source, however, said that less than 250 protesters are taking part in the meeting.

“Even though the meeting is unofficial, the protesters remain calm,” the police have said, adding that the police observers the situation but no special means are used to drive the protesters away.