Analysts see challenge to Kadyrov in subbotnik in lands transferred to Chechnya

The initiative of Ingush activists to organize a subbotnik in the territory that became a subject of dispute because of the border agreement with Chechnya is a challenge to the leadership of Chechnya, analysts have suggested, while lawyers point out that the political subtext of the subbotnik equates it to a rally.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that members of the teips (family clans), whose ancestral towers are located in the Sunzha District of Ingushetia near the Fortanga River, suggested the Presidium of the World Congress of the Ingush People to organize a subbotnik (voluntary clean-up work day) in the disputed territory. The Presidium has appointed it on November 17. Social network users have suggested that this action could exacerbate disputes of the two nations.

The subbotnik announced by Ingush activists is a consequence of protesters' demands, and, at the same time, a provocative initiative, Dmitry Oreshkin, a political analyst, believes.

He is confident that the Chechen authorities will perceive the subbotnik as an "attempt on their territory."

The initiative of the Ingush activists will be perceived as provoking the head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov, a Chechen publicist believes. In his opinion, the conflict that has arisen from the border is already acquiring the features of an interethnic one.

He agrees with the opinion that the Ingush subbotnik is a challenge to the Chechen leadership.

Ingush activists should have agreed their subbotnik as a mass event, since it has a political tinge, said Marina Agaltsova, a lawyer at the Human Rights Centre (HRC) "Memorial".