Analysts: explosion at Sheikh of Chirkei's tomb proves agony of armed underground in Dagestan

An explosion at the tomb of Sheikh Said-Afandi of Chirkei is a sign of the agony of the Dagestani armed underground, which could be caused by the desire of militants to report to their patrons and prove there was an active combat unit in the republic. This opinion was voiced by analysts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot".

At night on May 9, in the Dagestan village of Chirkei, a room for ziyarat (worship) was blown up near the tomb of Sheikh Said of Chirkei. The responsibility for the explosion was claimed by the terrorist organization "Islamic State" (IS) banned in Russia.

The explosion at the cemetery may involve members of the "Endirei" grouping of militants, reports a source from the law enforcement bodies.

The day of the explosion (May 9) was chosen not by chance, since the Victory Day unites traditional Muslim society with secular community, believes political analyst Khanzhan Kurbanov

According to him, the actions of militants only added popularity to Sufism.

"More and more people are interested in the teaching of Said-Afandi... He called for the preservation of peace," the political analyst has added.

The explosion at the cemetery was arranged by criminals to report to their patrons, believes Magomedrasul Omarov, the director of the information-analytical centre "Fikr".

He notes that during the recent 20 years, radicals tried to drive a wedge between the Muslims of the republic, but failed.