Chochaev: construction of Islamic Centre in Nalchik suspended indefinitely

The construction of the Islamic Centre in Nalchik has been suspended since September 2012 for technical reasons; and the date of resumption of the work is unknown, Sharafutdin Chochaev, the Rector of the Islamic University named after Abu Hanifa, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

The construction of the Islamic Cultural and Educational Centre was launched in March 2011; and it was planned that it will be built by March 2013.

In his comment on people's concern about the construction of the Centre, Sharafutdin Chochaev said that he "was saddened to hear all this."

According to his story, "those, who think that the problem of religious extremism can only be solved by force of arms, are deeply mistaken." Mr Chochaev has noted that the Islamic University, where young people receive a religious education, has long been operating in Nalchik. "Not a single university graduate has ever been seen in any illegal activity," he stressed.

According to Alim Sizhazhev, the Deputy Mufti of Kabardino-Balkaria, there is no political motive in the fact of suspension, as "it was caused by amendments made in the project." He is confident that by September 1, 2013, construction will be completed and the Centre will start operating.