Experts criticize Ramzan Kadyrov's ban on dialogue of followers of different concepts of Islam

Tough statements made by Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov concerning the impossibility of dialogue with Salafis undermine the stability in society and prevent development of mechanisms for peaceful coexistence of communities supporting different concepts of Islam. This opinion was expressed by experts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot".

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 2, at the gathering of followers of Sufi concept of Islam held in Grozny, Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov stated that he banned a dialogue with Salafis. Meanwhile, he has voiced criticism against Ingush religious leaders Khamzat Chumakov and Isa Tsechoev and said that in case if they try to preach in Chechnya, "they will face big troubles."

According to Igor Kalyapin, a member of the Council for Human Rights and Development of Civil Society under the President of the Russian Federation, the statement made by Ramzan Kadyrov undermines the foundations of peaceful coexistence in society.

"We have no other choice: the dialogue is necessary. We need, whether we like it or not, somehow live together. We should learn to respect the ideals, feelings and faith of other people. The only alternative is a civil war. And perhaps, Kadyrov really wants to wear a camouflage uniform and run with a submachine gun," Igor Kalyapin told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to the human rights defender, the Russian President should stop Ramzan Kadyrov, who is "just trying to shock public opinion."

Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya, an analyst and project director for Northern Caucasus of the International Crisis Group (ICG), believes that stable and peaceful development of Northern Caucasus is impossible without public dialogue.

"The presence of the Salafi concept of Islam in Northern Caucasus, particularly in Dagestan, Chechnya, and Ingushetia, is an accomplished fact. Thus, the mechanisms for calm peaceful coexistence should be developed sooner or later. Suppression of peaceful Salafis and squeezing them out of the public space, tough repressive measures, particularly in Chechnya and recently in Dagestan, which increasingly adopts the Chechen model, means a simple way to a full-scale conflict, and it is the question of time only," Ekaterina Sokiryanskaya told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

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