BEIJING (AP) ― China’s government has vowed to crack down on the leaders of a revolt in a southern village and investigate local officials over land seizures at the heart of the residents’ unhappiness.

China News Agency says the acting mayor of Shanwei city told reporters Wednesday that strong measures would be taken against villagers in Wukan who instigated others to create trouble and damage public property.

Thursday’s report also says the mayor promised to investigate village officials for wrongdoing and to impose a temporary freeze on the development of the village’s farmland.

Problems in Wukan date back to September, when hundreds of villagers angered by the land dispute smashed buildings and clashed with police.