Chechnya marks four years after lift of CTO regime

The Chechen Republic has held festivities to mark the fourth anniversary of the cancellation of the counterterrorist operation (CTO) regime. The main events took place in Grozny, where security measures were essentially strengthened on this occasion; and the centre of the city was blocked for motor traffic.

April 16, the day of lifting the CTO regime, is marked in Chechnya as a national holiday - the Day of Peace - since 2010 at the initiative of the head of the republic Ramzan Kadyrov. This day was declared a day-off in Chechnya.

On April 15 in Grozny, a motor rally was held in honour of the fourth anniversary of CTO abolition, along with a variety of entertainment and sporting events, and concerts of pop stars. On the occasion of the Day of Peace, the local TV channels showed a series of documentaries about the event, the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports.

A source from the republic's MIA told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that in connection with the celebrations the law enforcement bodies of the republic were switched over to the strengthened service regime.

Meanwhile, some of the locals interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent found it difficult to say what holiday was celebrated in Chechnya on April 16.

"As I understand, today they mark the anniversary of the abolition of the CTO regime. I personally can't state that after its abolition everything is fine in our republic, as the authorities try to persuade us. There are fewer posts on the roads; and the Grozny Airport has become international. For the rest, I see no much change for the better," a local resident Hadizhat I. told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

In Chechnya, in the first quarter of 2013, as calculated by the "Caucasian Knot" based on its own materials and information from other p[en sources, at least 37 people fell victims to the armed conflict, including 20 people killed and 17 more wounded. In 2012, the respective figures for the republic were 174, 82 and 92; and in 2011 - at least 201, 95 and 106.