Rice Riots of 1697

The Rice Riots of 1697 was a series of riots across primarily Sanilla and Amarra in Sanama that began on 3.XIII.1697 in Awhara. The riots were triggered by a sharp increase in rice prices due to supply issues. Volatile oil prices disrupted road based transport, which was the main mode of transportation for rice still in 1697. This coupled with high unemployment, in certain areas as high as 30-35 percent, general economic crisis, and general discontent with the center-right government, triggered the riots that quickly spread between smaller cities. When the riots came to Niyi and Fatehpur Sikri, they gained a Communist edge. The Peoples' Front, agitating against what they labeled a "corrupt and undemocratic government", seized the opportunity and channeled the riots towards the national government. Workers and farmers' marches were organised from Niyi and Fatehpur Sikri towards Semisa City with the intent of forcing the government to resign. The government, still a transitional regime after the election, lacked powers to address the issues raised. On 17.XIII.1697 an incident occurred north of Niyi, when a military unit called out to disburse a disruptive crowd on the main highway toward Semisa City opened fire. PF representatives claimed that the military opened fire into the crowd unprovoked, killing 32 civilians, among them seven children, and injuring dozens. The military on the other hand claimed that a squad of soldiers had opened fire in self defence after having been shot at by members of the crowd. The incident caused widespread outcry and anger, with Keysa Nur Pinito Caprici promising a "full investigation".