Chechnya after the blast in Grozny stadiumRuslan Isayev, North Caucasus - Many Chechens consider Akhmad Kadyrov's death to be the removal of an unnecessary person from the political stage, and they expect that after the funeral a severe moping-up operation will begin in the republic.
For many people, Kadyrov's death was beneficial. Besides the Chechen guerrillas, he had serious disagreements with Russian generals concerning further development of the republic, often declaring it was necessary to reduce the Russian military presence in Chechnya. And he recently proposed expanding the mandate of the Chechen police and other forces.
Considering that the guerrillas tried to kill him at every opportunity, the number of his enemies was quite extensive. However, only the guerrillas' revenge motive is being officially considered.
It is said that two artillery shells were placed under the VIP sector where Kadyrov, the State Council chairman Isayev and General Baranov sat. However, the men in charge of the investigation will shortly reveal the real cause of the explosion.
So far, all is normal in Chechnya. The Chechen police are present at every checkpoint throughout the country and almost every car is thoroughly being checked.
It seems that only Chechen forces were put on alert, whereas the Russian military operate in a normal mode.
How will this situation develop in the future? What would you do if you suddenly became the head of the republic? I asked this question of several inhabitants of Grozny and below are their answers.
Zaurbek Maduyev, teacher
Despite my negative attitude to the recent events, I think the situation might change for the better. Considering what I see around me every day, this can’t last forever. Although Kadyrov was appointed by Moscow, they recently felt he was cutting himself free from their control. Now I don’t see any person capable of becoming president. The future of the republic greatly depends on this choice. If I were president, I’d do everything possible to stop the disappearances of people, which is the main problem today; people will follow anyone who can make that happen.
Isruddin Itayev, unemployed
It doesn’t matter who removed Kadyrov. He was a bigwig and thus stood in the way of many people. But we’ll never know the answer to that question. He died as a real man, and, as Putin said, undefeated. Personally, I respected him despite all his rigidity. He was appointed by Moscow, but he was not a puppet as are other leaders of North Caucasian republics. Were I president, I’d see that his politics would continue.
Liza Gakayeva, businesswoman
All we need is a mutual pardon and coalescence. Chechens should now unite and not fight with each other. In my opinion, Kadyrov's death will not seriously affect the situation as his son Ramzan will continue the political line. The most important thing is that Ramzan not seek revenge. It is necessary to lead the republic out of its present condition so that the authorities stop their horrible actions against the peaceful population. If that happens, then there will be order and peace.
Shirvani Guzuyev, construction worker
The event of May 9 shows that two presidents cannot exist at the same time, therefore Allah took Kadyrov. Everything that is done is with the Supreme Being’s blessing. Why did they call him the first president of the Chechen Republic? By doing so, people then opposed them. Chechens don’t want war; it was imposed on us three or four hundred years ago. People resist aggressors. If Putin really wants to stop this unending massacre, now is the time to do it. How can the war be stopped? Very simply. They should talk with Maskhadov, give Basayev a way out and call for new elections. But a real election, not like the one we had in October, so the most worthy man will win. They should also place a ban on blood feuds that were declared during military actions. This is the most important thing that I would do.
Despite all these varying opinions everyone did agree that it is a turning point, after which things would either get better or worse. And that all depends on the Kremlin. (S/E,T) |
