Uzbek town protesters stand firm

There is still a heavy security presence in Korasuv

Hundreds of residents of the Uzbek border town of Korasuv have returned to the streets to demand the release of the leader of a popular uprising.

Bakhtior Rakhimov was among those seized after taking the town last week, inspired by unrest in nearby Andijan.

The protesters said they would stay until the detainees were freed.

The gathering took place as Western governments and international organisations urged an independent inquiry into recent unrest in Andijan.

UZBEKISTAN Most populous central Asian former Soviet republic, home to 26m people Ruled since 1991 independence by autocrat Islam Karimov Accused by human rights groups of serious abuses, including torture Rocked by violence in capital Tashkent in 2004 Government says radical Islamic groups behind violence Crackdown to fuel unrest Profile: Islam Karimov

However, President Islam Karimov has ruled out an international investigation.

The Uzbek authorities said 169 people died when soldiers put down a "bandit uprising" in Andijan on 13 May. An army source told the BBC that 500 people were killed.

Meanwhile a group of more than 500 refugees who fled to Kyrgyzstan after the unrest said they would not go back until the political situation improved.

Uzbek officials have been trying to persuade them to return, but many say they fear they will be imprisoned or executed.

The refugees, who are living in crowded conditions, have been registered as asylum seekers and cannot be repatriated against their will.

'No other demands'

Protests have continued over the last two days in Korasuv, despite a heavy security presence.

Bakhtior Rakhimov emerged as the leader of last Saturday's uprising

Troops retook the town on Thursday, ending a six-day rebellion.

On Saturday, about 200 people blocked a road leading to a bridge across to the Kyrgyz side.

Troops have been on standby, although previous demonstrations eventually broke up.

Some protesters carried placards proclaiming Mr Rakhimov's innocence and condemning terrorism. They said they had no other demands.

"We will stay here until they free them," Mr Rakhimov's niece Dilnoza told the Associated Press news agency.

Curfew imposed

The unrest in Andijan began when a group of men stormed the town's prison and released inmates, among them 23 businessmen accused of being Islamic extremists.

Everything should be investigated up to the foremost deepest causes of uprising, where it will be found out that the roots lie in social well being, rather than in religious fanaticism Mr Muradilla, Termez, Uzbekistan More of your comments

A large protest was then staged, joined by hundreds of residents as well as the freed prisoners.

Witnesses said troops fired indiscriminately at civilians in the crowd.

The BBC's Monica Whitlock in the city says that more than a week after the violence tight security remains in the city, troops have sealed off the main square and a curfew is in place.

Uzbekistan, the most populous Central Asian country, with 26 million people, is seen as an ally in the US-led "war on terror".

The US has an airbase in the south of the country which provides logistical support to operations in Afghanistan. However, the US has announced it is scaling back operations at the airbase following the unrest.