Mufti of Ingushetia calls to stop attacking shops selling alcohol

Isa Khamkhoev, head of the Spiritual Department of Moslems of Ingushetia, has stated that attacks on shops and stores selling alcohol are caused by religious feelings of his co-believers. However, he urged them to fight alcohol abuse by means of prayers, not weapons.

"In regions with dominant Moslim population, the problem of alcohol abuse and its consequences look most convex and painful. However, it should be addressed by power of prayers in mosques, educational centres, and through moral education of youth, popularization of family values, instead of arms and fire," said mufti Khamkhoev.

In Ingushetia, shops and restaurants trading alcohol are exposed to regular attacks. On March 25, in Nazran, a similar attack grew into a real battle with shop securities. Isa Khamkhoev is sure that these incidents are not gangster showdowns or property re-distribution, but religion-motivated protests, as the "Echo Moskvy" Radio reports.

"We can't solve the alcohol problem by destroying shops. Maybe, there's reason to pay attention to the neighbouring Chechen Republic, where now sale of alcohol is severely restricted," the "Rosbalt" quotes Mr Khamkhoev as saying.