Kadyrov allows mourning events on deportation anniversary

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of Chechens' and Ingushes' deportation, mosques are holding morning rites; and a mourning meeting is scheduled in Grozny. Local residents did not expect the lift of ban on mourning events.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that since 2011, the mourning events related to the deportation of Chechens and Ingushes in 1944 were removed in Chechnya from February 23 to May 10. Ramzan Kadyrov wanted to win Kremlin's support, which has softened its attitude to Stalinism, and tried to stifle protest moods in the republic, Caucasus historians believe.

The day of mourning and grief of the Chechen nations is marked on May 10, but on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of deportation, religious ceremonies will be held on February 23, Ramzan Kadyrov has stated.

He has noted, on the air of the "Grozny" TV Channel, the exploits of Chechens during the years of the Great Patriotic War. In his opinion, the 1944 deportation was caused by the absence of leadership and unity among Chechens.

"For Chechens and Ingushes, this day will forever remain mainly the day of the tragedy of our nations, and not the holiday of Fatherland defenders," said Aslanbek, a local resident.

Residents of Chechnya told about how the deportation affected their families.

"I was six years old, when we were evicted, but I remember that day very well ... We could take with us only what we could carry in our hands. One of my sisters went to visit our relatives in another village. We have never seen her again, and we don't know what happened to her," said Mata, a local woman.

"There were 11 children in my father's family. Only he and his sister returned from exile. All the rest died on the way and in Kazakhstan," said Said, a resident of Grozny.