Egypt unrest rages as anti and pro Hosni Mubarak groups clash

Cairo : Anarchy in Egypt flamed on as anti-government protesters fought it out with supporters of Hosni Mubarak in Cairo?s main square on Wednesday even after the embattled President announced plans to step down after polls in Sept.

Gunshots rang in the air as fists, stones, clubs and bottles rained on either side in a scene of uncontrolled violence as the two sides clashed around the Tahrir Square in front of the Egyptian Musuem.

The Mubarak supporters, said to be from the country?s police force by the opponents, took on anti-government protesters riding on horses and camels even as many of them were brought down and beaten up.

Troops stationed on the sidelines remained mute spectators as bricks and firebombs were seen being hurled from rooftops by Mubarak-supporters onto the crowd below injuring many who were taken to makeshift medical centres in mosques and alleys.

The violence only seemed to surge on Wednesday after Mubarak went on live television said he would serve through his 30-year-rule till September. He promised not to stand for the elections to be held in seven months? time.

Appeals of peace from the 82-year-old President and military spokespersons went unheard as protesters flocked to the Tahrir Square demanding that Mubarak step down immediately.

Thousands of pro-Mubarak demonstrators too entered the central square and soon clashes broke out.

A small group of Mubarak-supporters were reported to be taking on the angry mob, lashing out whips and sticks only to be dragged down and being beaten up by protesters.

The unrest fell on its ninth day on Wednesday since they broke out on Jan 25 after anti-government protesters sought relief from what they call years of authoritarian government and economic hardships.

The United Nations has said that as many as 300 people may have been killed so far, over 3,000 injured and hundreds arrested, asking for a democratic reform to the country?s government.

Over the weekend, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Egypt?s leaders to take some ?bold measures? to address the concerns of the scores of thousands of people who have been demonstrating for change, stressing at the same time that the protests must be peaceful.

U.S. President Barack Obama has laid strong pressure on his Egyptian counterpart asking him to step down and endure a peaceful and meaningful transition of power.