Magomedsalam Magomedov: recent count of terror act casualties in Dagestan has reached 1100

Today, on December 15, Dagestan has opened its Congress of Dagestani Nations. It will last for one day and plans to adopt an appeal and a resolution. The event is held in the new Palace of Sports named after Ali Aliev, located between the cities of Kaspiisk and Makhachkala.

Alexander Khloponin read out telegrams from the Russian President Dmitri Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

Mr Khloponin noted in his speech that the economic policy of the republic should take into account the ethnic factors. The Plenipotentiary has shared his plans to create a system of religious education, which is needed to ensure that young people do not get under the influence of extremists and do not go outside Russia to study. According to his story, it is also planned to create a regional secular institute. Starting next year, youth projects will receive support in the form of grants.

"We plan to renovate the personnel and recruit new modern managers, including those from outside Dagestan," said Khloponin.

"The Congress will not solve all the problems, but I believe that we need a direct honest conversation with the public," said Magomedsalam Magomedov, President of Dagestan. Despite some growth of indicators, Dagestan is unacceptably behind other regions. It lacks kindergartens and schools, has no financial incentives for teachers and doctors. All these factors contribute to radicalization, the President believes.

Then, Mr Magomedov raised the issues of divided and violently deported nations and migration. He stressed the lack of livelihood infrastructure, namely: water supply lines, gas pipes, as well as the problems related to criminalization of various segments of economy. Besides, Magomedov announced the start of forums, where specialists and independent experts will get their platform. In his opinion, it will allow accumulating professional potentials for addressing strategic objectives.

"Our society is not fully aware of the dangers of extremism. Recently, 1100 persons perished in terror acts. They've become commonplace. Instead of opening madrasas, schools and businesses, we have to increase spending on special agencies. We are building - they are destroying. We've faced such wild phenomena like parricide and explosions at cemeteries. Extremists kill all who don't agree with them. The list of casualties is on the rise," said President Magomedov.

"Certain young people try to abandon the traditional Islam, interfere into people's private life, reject our millennia-old traditions and refuse to recognize secular education. Unfortunately, we failed to find efficient methods of counteraction and now rely on strong-arm tactics. Law enforcement bodies are honestly performing their duties. A new special agency was created. However, we also see incompetence, negligence and even betrayal among law enforcement agents," said the President of Dagestan.

According to Magomedov, it's impossible to solve the problem of terrorism without support of the society and citizens' help to law enforcement bodies.

Ramazan Abdulatipov touched in his speech on the problems of interaction between the secular and religious authorities. "We have complete freedom of religion. There are higher schools, and we have religious press. At the same time, we must not forget that we live in a secular state; and religious activities should not run afoul of secular life and interests of citizens of different faiths and beliefs," he said.

"Economy can't develop, when people are kidnapped, robbed and murdered. We are a proud nation; but all of our tragedy stems from our arrogance," Mr Abdulatipov concluded his emotional speech.