Security measures enhanced in Grozny ahead of 195th city birthday

The streets in the centre of Grozny are blocked for the passage of vehicles, and at intersections and main roads, enhanced police and military squads are on duty. The city authorities explain the enhanced security measures by upcoming celebrations for the series of events of October 5 – the City Day, the Teachers Day and the Day of Chechen Youth. On the same day, Grozny will celebrate the birthday of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

The Grozny authorities have allocated 38 million roubles to celebrate the City Day. As Chechnya celebrates several public holidays at once, some residents of the republic believe that all the holidays are celebrated on the same day because the date coincides with the birthday of Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov.

"For example, I do not understand why we have most recently recognized the date of October 5 as the foundation day of Grozny? I am a historian by profession; however, as far as I know, there are no documents saying that Grozny fortress was founded at that day," notes Akhmad M., a resident of Grozny.

"In our republic, all people are actually more aware of the fact that on October 5, we celebrate the Ramzan Kadyrov's birthday," says LechiU., a staff member of one of the Chechen ministries. According to his version, "earlier, the fact was perceived as something questionable; however, at present, many people believe that Grozny was really founded on October 5."