Chechen refugees in Ingushetia seek shelter in KazakhstanRuslan Isayev, North Caucasus - There have been no changes so far in the tense situation in Chechen refugee camps in Ingushetia. During the night from November 10 to 11, federal servicemen located near the “Satsita” tent camp started firing into the air. The refugees say that bullets and shells were swishing just above their tents.
Practically nobody managed to sleep that night. Having collected their chattels, many refugees waited for morning to leave the premises of the camp that was no longer safe. Some of them actually did so and now refuse to return to their tents unless the federal soldiers go back to their former checkpoints.
On the following day, the camp administration officials asked the servicemen for an explanation of the unjustified shooting. It turned out that the servicemen of the Russian Interior Ministry relocated to the vicinity of refugee camps were celebrating the Russian Interior Ministry Day. “This is a holiday of the Russian police, which protects you,” said one of the soldiers.
On Monday, the inhabitants of the camp held another protest meeting against similar actions of the Russian forces. The refugees repeatedly demanded that military troops be withdrawn away from the tent villages. As always, their voices were not heard.
Apparently, this was why the “National Unity” political coalition, encompassing virtually all Chechen human rights organizations and refugees, appealed to Kazakh authorities to provide refuge to Chechens dwelling in Ingushetia. The coalition addressed a letter to the Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev which states that the Chechens have always considered Kazakhstan as their second homeland. “The Kazakhs sheltered us during the tough years of deportation to exile under Stalin. Now, once again, we ask you to provide this help to us,” the letter reads.
(P/T) |
