13:01, 24 February 2004

Actions in memory of victims of 1944 deportation take place in Ingushetia

Memorial evenings devoted to the 60th anniversary of the deportation of the Ingush people are being held in all towns and regions of the republic these days. On February 23, it was 60 years since the day of the deportation of the Ingush people to Kazakhstan. Then, at the height of the cold winter weather, over 90 thousand Ingushetians and about 400 thousand Chechens were loaded onto freight cars and exiled to Middle Asia, being accused of parricide. The Chechen-Ingush autonomy was liquidated by a special decree of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet in two weeks after their eviction.

According to historians, over 60% of displaced Chechens and Ingushetians died in Kazakhstan steppes from cold and hunger during the years of exile. Most of them froze to death en route not having endured cold in cars not adapted for transportation of people.

Offering ceremonies have been taking place almost in each district of the republic since February 21. By a longstanding tradition, the meat of sacrificial animals is distributed among people in need, including displaced persons.

Author: Malika Suleymanova, CK correspondent

Source: Caucasian Knot