Kadyrov demands to rewrite chapter on nations' deportation in school textbook

Ramzan Kadyrov has demanded to rewrite the chapter of the new school textbook on Russia's history, in which the deportation of Caucasian nations is explained by their collaboration with German fascists.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on February 23, 2023, on the 79th anniversary of the deportation of Vainakhs, mourning events were held in Ingushetia. However, there were no official events in Chechnya; and Kadyrov limited himself to writing curses against Stalin in his Telegram channel.

The updated Russian history textbook for grades 10-11, co-authored by Vladimir Medinsky, a former head of the Ministry of Culture and presidential aide, "has outraged the nationals repressed in the USSR." Kadyrov has instructed to "clarify such an important issue," said Magomed Daudov, the Speaker of the Chechen Parliament.

The point is in the chapter of the textbook, which says that because of their collaboration with German fascists, in 1943-1944, Soviet authorities decided to subject Karachais, Kalmyks, Chechens, Ingushes, Balkars and Crimean Tatars to collective punishment – forced resettlement to eastern regions of the USSR. It was noted, however, that "not only enemy collaborators" were repressed, but also "many innocent people," the RIA "Novosti" has reported.

Deportation anniversaries of their fellow countrymen are marked annually by residents of several republics in Southern Russia.

On March 8, the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic marks the deportation anniversary of Balkar nationals. In particular, in 2023, on that day in Nalchik, a commemoration event was held about the victims of the deportation conducted 79 years ago.

The victims of Balkars' deportation receive only minor benefits; and authorities' support is not commensurate with the sufferings experienced during the years of repression, the participants of the memorial action held on March 8, 2020, pointed out.