23 August 2016, 21:03

In Chechnya, opening ceremonies of schools and hospitals and visits of federal officials were dated to the 65th anniversary of the birth of Akhmat Kadyrov, the former leader of the Chechen Republic, which was celebrated on August 23. The centre of Grozny was blocked by law enforcers, and local residents faced inconveniences while moving around the city.

"The ceremonies of opening large social objects were dated to August 23. For example, the number of new opened objects included a new building of the central hospital of the city of Gudermes, a school in the town of Urus-Martan, and the district centre of Nozhai-Yurt and the village of Sayasan, restored after landslides. The municipalities provided help to the sick and the poor," the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by officials from the administration of the Chechen government and the Chechen leader.

"In the regional centre of Kurchaloi, the memorial to Akhmat Kadyrov was opened, as well as the obelisk to honour 435 participants of World War, natives of the Kurchaloi District," reports a press officer as quoted by the RIA "Novosti".

In 1999, with the beginning of the second military campaign in Chechnya, Akhmat Kadyrov took the side of the federal government and became the temporary Chechen leader, and in 2003, he took the position of the president of the republic. On May 9, 2004, he was killed in a bomb explosion at the "Dinamo" stadium in Grozny.

Residents of Grozny have reported on enhanced security measures.

"I do not understand why should we celebrate the birthday of the man who is no longer alive? Islam prohibits such actions, and the celebration does not comply with our traditions," local resident Khamid expresses his opinion.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.