President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov made a statement on the occasion of anniversary of the conflict on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border on April 28, 2021. Press service of the head of state reported.
He reminded that April 28-30, 2021 were remembered by the people as the saddest and most difficult days in the history of independent Kyrgyzstan. In those tragic days, 36 Kyrgyzstanis were killed and irreparable damage was done as a result of armed clashes on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border.
«We lost our young guys, brave soldiers and the innocent girl Madina. 173 our citizens received various injuries and are still being treated. But this ordeal strengthened the unity and courage of our people. In this difficult hour, the hard-working and hospitable people of Batken showed unprecedented determination, patience and fortitude. I consider it my duty to emphasize the heroism of our soldiers and compatriots who swore to defend the integrity and sovereignty of the state, who gave their lives for their homeland and people. Their names will be written in gold letters in the history of our country,» the president said.
He stressed that in difficult times all Kyrgyzstanis confirmed the great unity of their forefathers and the whole country stood up to defend Batken under the slogan «Batken is my heart».
As a head of state and an ordinary citizen, I bow my head to the nobility and worthy qualities of my people, who did not succumb to provocative actions and were not broken by the hardships.
Sadyr Japarov
The President noted that patriotically-minded local businessmen and compatriots working abroad provided significant help to the victims. Thanks to the solidarity and support of the people and the whole country, 140 houses that were previously burnt down have been commissioned. Homes have been built for the families of 36 people who died in the clashes.
Sadyr Japarov thanked Turkey, Islamic charity foundations and other organizations for their help in rebuilding social facilities that were destroyed during the armed conflict. The head of state recalled that neighboring Uzbekistan had also helped the region by completing the construction of a modern school for 330 students in Margun village, Leilek district. The second school in the village of Samarkandek of Batken district is being prepared for opening.
On May 4, 2021, the president signed a decree on priority measures for the rehabilitation and development of the border villages of Batken region, and a Special Representative of the President for the restoration and development of border villages in the region was appointed.
On September 10, 2021, the law on the status of Batken region was passed to support the population of Batken region, improve the region’s economy and solve social problems. The document determined the list of public services provided free of charge or on a preferential basis to the population of the region. Benefits are provided to citizens permanently working in the region and undergoing military service.
As part of the law, since March 1, 2022, low-income families with children under 16 years old receive an additional monthly compensation of 1,000 soms, and pensioners permanently residing in the border areas of Batken region — 2,000 soms each.
The region was allocated 250 million soms for the construction of eight roads of strategic importance.
A special road map for 2022-2035 will be drawn up for the development of Batken region. About 500 million soms will be allocated annually for its implementation.
«Last year’s armed conflict clearly indicated the need to pay serious and urgent attention to border security. Therefore, for the first time in the country’s history, in order to strengthen our armed forces, modern military equipment and other equipment were purchased at the expense of the republic’s budget. Work in this direction will continue,» Sadyr Japarov said.
The President also spoke about the disputed sections on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border.
The head of state stressed that the resolution of these issues requires accuracy, tolerance and consistency.
«Events in the world have shown that border issues with neighboring countries need to be resolved only through peaceful dialogue and mutual respect. The president of the neighboring state also noted recently during a visit to Sughd region that he was interested in solving border issues with Kyrgyzstan only through negotiations. The bilateral interstate commission continues to work to reach an agreement on disputed sections of the state border,» the president commented.
Sadyr Japarov said that the national interests of the Kyrgyz people in resolving state border issues are always a priority for him.
«At the same time, I would like to note that we respect the interests and integrity of the neighboring state. We will not succumb to provocative actions, we will prevent possible negative phenomena on the state border, showing restraint, strengthening national security. We ask the Almighty to prevent a repetition of last year’s tragic events, we wish unity to our people and the integrity and prosperity of our country,» the President concluded.
