The Gal Undesten Union held a demonstration with 11 activists opposing the amendment law banning mineral exploration and exploitation in river and forest basins. The demonstration was held outside of the Government house during the emergency session meeting of Parliament called by Speaker Z.Enkhbiold today on September 16th. Local reports say that the activists fired shots into air near Government House around 10.30 am this morning. An emergency state was called in Government House disallowing any entry or exit for some hours.

Police arrested the activists who fired shots into the air and found firearms and small bombs after conducting a search at the park north to of Government House. During the arrest one of the activists was delivered to hospital. The law on the Prohibition of Mineral Prospecting Exploration in water basin areas and forest areas was passed in 2009 but the law was impractical. The Water and Forest Law, prohibits mining activities in water basins and forested areas of the landlocked country of fewer than 3 million people where water is in short supply.

One of the main issues to be discussed at the emergency session meeting of Parliament is a new amendment to the law on the Prohibition of Mineral Prospecting Exploration in water basin areas and forest areas.

The emergency state in imposed on Government House was cancelled and police arrested nine activists amid protests against making amendments to the law.