And allow soldiers to assist police in maintaining public safety

Gunshots heard as troops approached the crowd.

Demonstrators are taking control of the airport in Almaty.

City authorities urge residents to stay home.

Details on time and location will be disclosed later.

They are demanding that the government steps down and brings in a new constitution for fresh elections.

'History is always a good guide. It may be useful to rescreen the drama of 1997/98 plus the unseen cuts and to read the original script.'

UPDATED 2.28PM | With the amendments, a public assembly can now include a march from one location to another.