S. Korean Police, Students Clash
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SEOUL — South Korean police and students fought fierce hand-to-hand battles Saturday after protesters were prevented from marching to the North Korean border. A policeman was killed and dozens of students and police injured.
The clashes erupted after about 3,000 police moved in to surround about 2,500 students staging a sit-in at a major intersection in Seoul. More than 300 students were arrested.
The death of the riot trooper was almost certain to bring new crackdowns on protesters. Police launched a search for leaders of the student group that organized the rally.
More than 400 police and students have been injured in street violence in the past three weeks, the most serious demonstrations since President Kim Young Sam took office in February.
Police said Kim Choon Do, 27, an officer, was hit by a rock and beaten by about 30 students. He was rescued, but died at a hospital.
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