Violence spreads in Kyrgyzstan

In an earlier post, I had written about the breaking out of ethnic clashes in this strategically located Central Asian nation and opined that international intervention by Russia and USA is essential to bring the situation under control and establish the rule of law in Kyrgyzstan.

The situation has rapidly deteriorated since than. Chaotic condition prevails in southern region which is the stronghold of deposed President Bakiev where Kyrgyz are killing Uzbeks. Officially more than 120 people have died and about 1500 have been injured. As per reports about 100000 refugees have already crossed over to Uzbekistan and 80000 more are waiting to escape. International Red Cross has deemed the situation as humanitarian catastrophe.

Interim Govt has already requested Russia to intervene and bring the situation under control.

It is pertinent to mention that Russia as well as USA have their strategic military bases located in Kyrgyzstan. In- fact  US operations in Afghanistan are being  supported from their Kyrgyz base at Manas. Neither Russia nor USA can therefore afford to be silent spectators of the chaotic conditions and ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan.

Let us hope that Russia and USA will respond in time to bring back normalcy in this Central Asian nation.

Ethnic clashes in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan, a small but strategically located(between Russia & China and providing access to Afghanistan)  Central Asian country, is currently under international gaze due to removal of  unpopular President Bakiyev in April 2010, assumption of charge by an interim Govt headed by Roza Otunbayeva and violent ethnic clashes between uzbeks & krygyzs wherein more than 40 persons have lost their lives in last two days.

The story of unrest, in this former part of USSR, goes back to 2005 when former President Bakiyev grabbed power after the Tulip Revolution with an assurance of democratic governance. Bakiyev became an autocrat under the garb of democracy and headed a thoroughly corrupt and inefficient Govt. People and opposition parties therefore rose against him and was forced out of power in April this year.He has ran away and taken refuge in Belarus. Present interim setup has also gone back on promised  elections in October this year and rescheduled the same for end 2011.

Current ethnic violence between Uzbeks & Kyrgyz is byproduct of existing vacuum in governance and resultant lawlessness.

International community should not remain a silent and uninterested spectator to the sufferings of nearly five million people of Kyrgyzstan. Serious and sincere efforts under UN umbrella by USA,Russia & China must be put in to resolve the difficulties and establish the rule of law in this sensitive central Asian nation.