Villager dies in clash over illegal mining in southwest China

KUNMING, April 22 (Xinhua) -- One person died and 16 were injured on Sunday in a southwest Chinese village when villagers clashed with police sent there to tackle illegal mining, local officials said on Tuesday.

More than 70 villagers armed with knives and clubs attacked and injured five police in the Saxi Village, Malipo County of Yunnan Province, on Sunday morning, said Malipo County government officials.

The police defended with riot guns, batons and shields, leaving 11 villagers injured, among whom one died on the way to hospital, the officials added.