Conflict on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan

The clashes on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which escalated into a military conflict for a few days, have subsided and thousands of people who had to be temporarily evacuated have returned home. However, not all houses have remained intact.

The conflict between the Kyrgyz and Tajiks broke out on April 28 and lasted for several days. This is linked to the dispute over the Isfara reservoir and water distribution point, which is claimed by both Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. It is not separated by a strict border and people move from one country to another on a daily basis.

Clashes between the people of the two countries living on the border rapidly escalated into armed conflict and security structures were involved. As a result, 56 people lost their lives and hundreds were injured.

The ceasefire was reached the next day, but the clashes continued for several more days. Now the locals are returning home. For example, 30,000 people were evacuated on the Kyrgyz side. Not everyone has a place to return.

“Currently, there are reports that ten buildings have been burned. But probably even more. Now let’s just start checking everything. Two more buildings have been demolished, ”says Sajitburhan Japarov, a resident of the border village on the Kyrgyz side.

“The miners have arrived here, they are inspecting the field and destroying mines and unexploded ordnance.”

“We have lived as neighbors for many years and there have never been conflicts. We are contacting the Tajik brothers to understand the real causes of what happened, ”says the border resident.

“This is the first time such a tragedy has taken place. There were conflicts in neighboring villages, but we never argued. We have always been friends! ”

“We experienced similar events in 2019. Please resolve the border issue so that we can sleep peacefully. We pray to God every day so that we can live in peace, ”admits a border resident.

The armed forces of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have withdrawn from villages on the border between the two countries. The causes of what happened are not clear. The two countries have launched an investigation and accused each other of causing collisions and using heavy artillery.

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