Residents of spontaneous camp in Kullar claim difficulties of moving into tents

To move from a spontaneous camp into the tent one set up near Kullar, Azerbaijani citizens need to undergo coronavirus testing, but the issuance of test results is highly protracted. Besides, camp residents complain about an unfair compilation of lists of returnees to Azerbaijan.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that a temporary accommodation centre (TAC) was opened on the border of the Derbent and Magaramkent Districts of Dagestan for the citizens of Azerbaijan who failed to get home due to the border closure. On June 15, a protest action took place in the tent camp, which turned into clashes with law enforcers.

In the opinion of Avtandil Mamedli, an Azerbaijani activist, the situation with the return of Azerbaijanis waiting in Dagestan to their homeland is tense.

"Despite the fact that 250 people are departing home every Tuesday, more and more people arrive at the tent camp located in the Dagestani border village of Kullar. Today, on July 9, there are still about 350-400 people there," Mr Mamedli explained to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

Tural Bilalov, an Azerbaijani citizen, said that prior to moving to the tent camp, he had lived in a car wash for almost two months.

"It was very stuffy there. But there were no options – we were not let into tents. Initially, they explained it by the lack of places, then – because of the need to pass the test. And then they delayed the issuance of test results. Finally, two days ago we were let into tents; we ate the normally cooked hot food. But we want no comfort; we want to go home. Lists must be compiled fairly. Some, like me, are waiting for two months, others – only a few days. I understand when women and children depart ahead of others, but how to explain the inclusion of young people into departure groups out of queue?" said Bilalov.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on July 9, 2020 at 10:47 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.