Tensions are rising on the Tajik-Kyrgyz border. Maybe the military exercises that took place the other day in Issykkul with the use of drones are part of the new plans?
Author: Nematullo Mirsaidov
Today I published two messages that are different in content and meaning. In a reflection commentary, I expressed the hope that, with the consolidation of efforts, it would be possible to regulate the border dispute between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, put an end to all issues and begin to restore our former friendship, our trade relations. In the message, I spoke with concern about how the Kyrgyz side continues to take measures that escalate the situation on the border.
According to reports coming from Tajik border villages, the water management structures of the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan are taking measures to take control of the water supply to the settlements of Tajikistan located along the transboundary Tartkol irrigation canal. Ventils are attached to downpipes without the consent of the Tajik side. This is despite the fact that the project for the construction of an irrigation facility provided for the supply of water to all settlements of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan located along the canal.
Residents of the Qaqir mahalla, where the Kyrgyz water authorities have already installed a ventil, do not know how to find a solution to the issue. Jamaat representatives say that under the current situation, the authority to resolve all border issues has been transferred to higher authorities. The population has so far refrained from protests due to the fact that any attempt to resolve the issue on their own could lead to a new conflict.
It should be recalled that the Tartkol transnational irrigation canal, as well as the Osh-Batken-Isfana highway, which are the property of the Kyrgyz Republic, cross the territory of Tajikistan in several places. However, these territories are now under the control of the Kyrgyz military.
An attempt made by Tajik border guards on March 10 of this year to change the route of the guard service along the border led to an incident in which a Tajik border guard was killed. On the night of March 10-11, Kyrgyz border guards were subjected to massive shelling of the Qaqir mahalla. The parties managed to agree on a ceasefire.
All these events took place despite the fact that in February pilaf was organized in all border communities as a sign of reconciliation, the elders from both sides called on the youth and the military not to escalate the situation and resolve all emerging issues with the help of meetings at the level of local authorities.
Local analysts believe that the neighbors' unilateral actions to tighten the operation of irrigation facilities serving the two countries may cause a new conflict. And the concentration of a large amount of equipment and military at times increases the threat to peace and stability on the border. There are also reports from some sources that Kyrgyzstan intends to set up additional checkpoints at road intersections, which could create obstacles to the movement of Tajik citizens and provoke protests.
There is a feeling that the Kyrgyz military intends to provoke another conflict and military clash. Maybe the military exercises that took place the other day in Issykkul with the use of drones are part of the new plans? After all, just last year, after such military exercises, a military conflict was provoked near the water facility "Golovnoe". I ask the population not to succumb to possible provocations. And it's time for the military to prepare properly. We have no fewer resources than the Kyrgyz Republic. And it is not worth falling behind in military power. If necessary, the people will raise funds to strengthen their armed forces on the border.
