Russian presidential representative Chaika discusses matters with leaders of Ingushetia and North Ossetia following border dispute
In a bid to improve security and foster unity in the Prigorodny district of North Ossetia, the Russian government has announced the creation of joint patrols between Ingush and Ossetian law enforcement agencies. The decision comes after a meeting between the Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the North Caucasus Federal District, Yuri Chaika, Ingush Head Makhmud-Ali Kalimatov, and the Head of North Ossetia, Sergei Menyailo, on August 24, 2022.
The meeting took place amidst a mass conflict in the border village of Chermen, a sensitive area in relations between North Ossetia and Ingushetia, with a history of armed conflict and ongoing territorial disputes. On that day, a mass brawl occurred between residents of Ingushetia and North Ossetia.
Details of the practical steps expected to follow the meeting were not specified in the official statement. However, it emphasised the importance of cooperation between the executive authorities and law enforcement agencies, the unity of the multi-ethnic Russian people, and the harmonisation of interethnic and interfaith relations.
Chaika underlined the priority of stability in the region and the need for consolidation and unity of the North Caucasus regions in the face of external pressure. He also reiterated the importance of Ingush and North Ossetian residents in the context of the 'special military operation'.
Following the incident, Menyailo suggested that law enforcement should block entry to the region in the event of interethnic clashes. Menyailo and Kalimatov both took to their respective social media platforms to address the situation. Menyailo blamed 'hotheads' from both republics for the escalation, while Kalimatov reposted Chaika's statement on his Telegram channel without any comments.
The exact number of participants detained by North Ossetian security forces in connection with the conflict remains unknown. The incident near the Chermen checkpoint may have been triggered by a domestic dispute, according to Telegram channels close to law enforcement.
The statement stressed the importance of the 'unity of the multi-ethnic Russian people' and the need for 'harmonisation of interethnic and interfaith relations'. It is hoped that these joint patrols will help to maintain peace and stability in the Prigorodny district and foster better relations between the two republics.
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