Members of Muslim community fear of resumption of conflict around Nasyr-Kort mosque

In the village of Nasyr-Kort, the conflict situation has still not been resolved; the confrontation between Khamzat Chumakov, the imam of the local mosque, and Mufti Khamkhoev continues, and it could result in bloodshed. This opinion has been expressed by experts and members of the local community interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot".

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on June 4 and 5, in Ingushetia, a conflict occurred between mosque-goers in the village of Nasyr-Kort. According to law enforcers, no one suffered in the conflict.

"During recent several years, Khamzat Chumakov delivers sermons at the only mosque of Nasyr-Kort," the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by Kharon Torshkhoev, the adviser to the Ingush leader on national and religious affairs. According to Kharon Torshkhoev, some of local residents had to visit other localities for Friday prayers. "They explain their position by saying that Khamzat Chumakov delivers sermons in a wrong way. According to them, he insults tariqahs, ustaz, and virds, supported by a majority of mosque-goers of the republic," Kharon Torshkhoev has explained.

"Last Friday, Khamzat Chumakov has announced in categorical manner that no noon prayers will be delivered at the mosque of Nasyr-Kort. And a lot of mosque-goers got indignant," Kharon Torshkhoev has said. After that, residents of Nasyr-Kort contacted the Mufti of Ingushetia. "The Mufti never appointed Khamzat Chumakov the Imam of the mosque of Nasyr-Kort, and villagers never elected him. They have their legitimate Imam Ruslan Chakhkiev. And they want him to deliver Friday prayers, they want to listen to his sermons," Kharon Torshkhoev has stated.

Idris Yevloev, a community member, believes that "the position of Khamzat Chumakov's opponents is uncompromising and can lead to bloodshed." "They took advantage of the moment to expel him from the mosque, and they do not care that such their actions will lead to situations when blood can be shed," Idris Yevloev has said.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.