New Chechen-Ingush borders sharpen problem of disputed Dagestani villages

The scandalous agreement on the borders between Chechnya and Ingushetia and the creation by Ramzan Kadyrov of a state commission to determine and confirm the administrative border of the republic have actualized the problem of disputed territories in Dagestan and the Stavropol Territory. Observers have expressed their concern about possible conflicts over the lands around Chechnya.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on September 7, it became known that Ramzan Kadyrov signed a decree to create a commission to determine the borders of Chechnya. The commission includes the heads of republic's regions bordering Dagestan and the Stavropol Territory.

After revising the border between Chechnya and Ingushetia, the Chechen side can begin revising the border with Dagestan, believes Sira Saipov, a public figure in the Kazbek District.

"The ultimate goal of restoring the Aukhovsky District is to join it to Chechnya. However, the mechanism which was used with Ingushetia (without discussion with the population) may not work this time," the activist noted.

In any case, the decree will provoke a conflict, believes political analyst Ruslan Martagov. Meanwhile, he has expressed his confidence that in the above case, the opinion of the federal centre will be crucial.

Journalist Maxim Shevchenko also believes that the issue of the alienation of territories from Dagestan can result in serious consequences and conflict situations.

He believes the rights of the Chechen population of the Dagestani villages should be respected and the settlements themselves should remain within Dagestan. "The very possibility that the villages may be taken away will cause a rather negative reaction among the Dagestani people. There will be a conflict between the Chechen and the Avars. It cannot be provoked in any case," the journalist emphasizes.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on October 23, 2018 at 04:02 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.