Dagestan journalists criticize Kadyrov's version of Kizlyar conflict

The participants of the conflict in Kizlyar are supported by a significant part of residents of Dagestan, who fear the transfer of land to Chechnya, Dagestani journalists and political analysts have stated in response to Ramzan Kadyrov's assertion that the Dagestani society is not on the side of individual activists.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the situation on the Chechen-Dagestani border aggravated after residents of Kizlyar dismantled the Chechen road sign at night on June 10.

Having accused "several persons" of the conflict on the border, Ramzan Kadyrov made use of "the standard technique of those in power", who "always try to reduce political and social protests to actions of a handful of people," said Eduard Urazaev, a political analyst.

There are really not so many activists, who are ready to openly oppose the authorities, but a significant part of residents of Dagestan is supporting the protest moods of Kizlyar townspeople, Mr Urazaev is sure.

Residents of the pre-border areas of Dagestan are seriously worried that the demarcation of the border with Chechnya could harm their land interests, Milrad Fatullaev, the editor-in-chief of the RIA "Derbent", believes.

In his opinion, authorities of Dagestan should pay attention to the events in Kizlyar and study them in order to prevent similar incidents in the future. This conflict is a manifestation of public discontent and a "very serious signal" to republic's authorities and public figures, Mr Fatullaev has explained.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on June 19, 2019 at 05:10 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.