KHARTOUM, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's Higher Education and Scientific Research Ministry on Friday announced suspension of study at all higher education institutions in Khartoum State in the wake of popular demonstrations, official SUNA news agency reported.

"The suspension includes all government, national and private higher education institutions," Al Sadiq Al Hadi Al Mahdi, minister of higher education and scientific research, was quoted as saying.

He said the decision would be effective as of Saturday until further notice, according to the report.

Earlier on Friday, the authorities of Sudan's capital Khartoum issued a press release, announcing suspension of classes at all schools in Khartoum State until further notice, citing increasing protests in the country.

Sudan's Nahr al-Neel, Gadarif, White Nile and Northern states have previously declared state of emergency amid popular demonstrations.

Over the past three days, various areas in Sudan, including Khartoum, have been witnessing popular protests against the deteriorating economic conditions and price hikes of basic commodities.

Also on Friday, the Sudanese government said in a statement that it would not tolerate any acts of sabotage or violations of the law during popular protests.

According to government officials, at least eight protesters were killed in Sudan's eastern state of Gadarif and northern city of Atbara.