19:43, 19 February 2004

Temporary accommodation center for refugees "Angusht" left without gas

Shuddi Kundukhov, warden of the temporary accommodation center for Chechen refugees "Angusht" situated in Nazran, reported that the authorities cut off the gas supply to this center on February 13. The center inhabitants have to seat in their rooms without heat under conditions of the February intensely cold weather. The authorities explained their actions by saying that the NGO Danish Refugee Council had illegally built housing for displaced persons from liquidated tent camps on the territory of the accommodation center. The paradox is that in conformity with the document signed by Deputy Head of the Ingush Migration Service Akhmed Parchiyev, these people occupy the habitation built especially for them. The supply of gas to other temporary accommodation centers in Ingushetia was cut off too. Deprived of gas, people living in those centers were to connect to the gas system, said Mr Kundukhov. The head of the Ingush gas service, Mr Gorchkhanov, explained his action by saying he executed an order of the republican government.

Source: Public organization "Chechen National Rescue Committee"