05:54, 22 February 2018

Orthodox believers reject idea of leaving Dagestan after Kizlyar shooting

Believers from the church. Photo by Yelena Sineok, Yuga.ru

Orthodox believers suggest the recent mass murder of believers from the temple is a provocation which will not force Orthodox Christians to leave Dagestan.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 18, 22-year-old Khalil Khalilov shot people near a temple in Kizlyar. As a result, five women died, and the assailant himself was killed. The day of February 20 was announced a day of mourning in Kizlyar. On that day, the funeral of the victims was held.

Sources called Khalil Khalilov a member of a "dormant unit" of the terrorist organization "Islamic State" (IS) banned in Russia. Later, the IS claimed responsibility for the attack.

Nina, a believer from the church, stated with reference to her acquaintances that Orthodox Christians do not discuss ideas to leave Dagestan.

Valentina, another believer, has noted that the priest of the church urged believers not to succumb to provocations.

Believer Anna has admitted that the attack shocked her and her family, but she does not see any reasons to leave Dagestan.

Believer Irina suggests that the crime could not be initiated by "local Muslims." She believes such incidents only force people to support each other.

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

Author: Magomed Akhmedov

Source: CK correspondent