Kalmykia commemorates deportation victims

Today, the republic marks the Memory Day on the occasion of the 66th anniversary of deportation of Kalmyks accused of treason. They were not just exiled, but spread over the vast Siberia - from the very north to the Far East and Kazakhstan. Almost half of all deported Kalmyks died in exile. Practically every family has whom to commemorate: their relatives perished either on the way or in exile - far from homeland.

Zoya Naranova, a librarian of National Kalmyk Library, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent about what happens today in the republic.

"Every year on this day flowers are brought to the "Rodina" (Homeland) movie theatre, and a rally is held in the former main assembly point, from where people were deported. Now, a rally also takes place near the memorial 'Exodus and Comeback' created by sculptor Ernst Neizvestny. At 2 p.m. a memorial service was held, and at 3 p.m. - the Requiem Concert with participation of the touring Ossetian Chorus," Ms Naranova said.

In her opinion, the deportation of Kalmyks was committed much tougher than of other Caucasian nations. "They were placed into extremely severe dwelling conditions and strongly dispersed among regions and settlements. Although I think it's not fair speaking about it in this way - better or worse exile conditions; it's not quite correct," Zoya Naranova concluded.

According to her story, one of the most painful consequences is the impact on the nation's demography, which is still telling.