Demonstration and rally held in Grozny to mark three years after CTO regime cancellation in Chechnya

According to law enforcement bodies, on April 16, over 10,000 people took part in a festive demonstration dated to the three years' anniversary of cancellation of the counterterrorist operation (CTO) regime in Chechnya. It was attended by officials from different ministries and agencies, students of higher and specialized secondary schools and pupils of secondary schools.

Let us remind you that on April 16, 2009, the Chechen Republic cancelled the CTO regime, which was introduced there back in September 1999.

On that occasion, Grozny and other cities and major district centres held celebrations, marches, folk festivities and concerts with participation of pop stars and artistic companies of the republic.

The broadest celebration of the Day of Peace took place in Grozny. Here, several thousand people first marched along the main streets of the city holding flags of Russia and Chechnya and then gathered near the memorial complex of the Alley of Fame, where a solemn rally took place with participation of the Republic's leadership.

"In total, the ceremony was attended by over ten thousand people. Celebrations passed in a calm atmosphere, without any serious incidents," the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by local law enforcement bodies.

Some of the demonstrators claimed that they were forced to take part in the festivities.

"They gathered us in the territory of the higher school, brought by buses to central Grozny, gave out flags and posters; and then we went to the demonstration. We had been warned that participation in the celebrations is mandatory for all; and those who would fail to appear would have problems with their exams and tests," said Elina, a student of one of higher schools in Grozny.