BISHKEK (Satrapia) — Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister Jenish Razakov has called “traitors” the Kyrgyzs who sell their houses to Tajik citizens in the disputed border areas.

Following a coordination meeting on border issues, Razakov told reporters:

We’re fighting for every foot of border territory. Bet on hoarseness. And some Kyrgyzs are selling their houses and plots. How is this possible? This is our land. Our land is being sold. Local residents should tell those who do this that selling houses and plots in the border areas is treason. Yes, it’s a state treason.

In his turn, Interior Minister Kashkar Dzhushunaliev criticized the villagers for provoking conflicts. The minister pointed out that during the latest clash on 11 January, some Kyrgyzs had started throwing stones at their neighbours, despite the presence of a number of law enforcement officials. “But they are especially there to protect you, to protect you! Nor is it easy for us to detain our citizens and investigate their violations”, the minister complained.

He added that he understood the demands of local residents to release the four people arrested on suspicion of provocation, but everything will be decided within the framework of the law.