On eve of Eid al-Fitr, Chechnya enhances security measures

Chechnya will hold the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr (Uraza Bayram) under enhanced security measures. This was reported by an official from the Chechen police. Local residents also report on the enhancement of control measures by law enforcers.

The holiday of Eid al-Fitr finalizes the month of Ramadan, when Muslims keep a strict fast and do not eat or drink anything from dawn until nightfall. The holiday tradition implies arranging holiday tables, receiving visitors and relatives, and making return visits. Wealthy Muslims are expected to render help to the poor.

Local residents observe the process of enhancement starting from July 26. The security measures are being enhanced not only in Grozny, but also in other places.

"In our places, an 'enhancement' is being administered with or without cause. Even if some artists from abroad or officials from Moscow arrive to the republic, almost half of Grozny is cordoned off. The same takes place during the holidays, no matter if they are of religious or secular nature. We are to start celebrating the holiday of Eid al-Fitr only tomorrow; however, everyone can clearly see that the security measures have been already enhanced," the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by Lukman, a member of a Chechen NGO.