Supporters of Imam Khamzat Chumakov announce their willingness to peacefully resolve conflict in Nasyr-Kort

Khamzat Chumakov, the Imam of the mosque of Nasyr-Kort, and his supporters have claimed that they speak only for peaceful means of the resolution of the conflict, which has resulted in a shooting incident at the mosque. They have assured that they will restrain from aggression even in case if the mosque is temporary closed.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on June 4, in the course of the conflict between mosque-goers in Nasyr-Kort, fire was opened from automatic weapons. After the incident, Ingush leader Yunus-Bek Evkurov has threatened to close the mosque in Nasyr-Kort till the conflict is resolved; however, today, the decision on the closure of the mosque has been postponed.

On June 12, the mosque will organize a meeting, during which the mosque-goers are to be addressed by religious figures. The conflict at the mosque has arisen from the Khamzat Chumakov's decision to cancel Friday prayers.

Khamzat Chumakov has claimed that his opponents attempted to provoke a mass fight at the mosque. Meanwhile, Isa-Khadji Khamkhoev, the Mufti of Ingushetia, has stated that the Muftiyat never appointed Khamzat Chumakov the Imam. The Mufti has urged Khamzat Chumakov to give place to Rustam Chakhkiev appointed the Imam by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims (SAM).

In Ingushetia, there is a statute of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims, which "clearly states that imams are to be appointed by mufti in consultation with members of community." This was stated by Kharon Torshkhoev, the adviser to the Ingush leader on national and religious affairs. According to Kharon Torshkhoev, the closure of the mosque was a safe option, which would prevent further clashes.

Khamzat Chumakov himself believes his opponents spoke against him, since he openly expresses his opinion on issues of corruption or arbitrariness of officials.

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