Ingush Mufti Khamkhoev may face political isolation because of conflict with Kadyrov

After voicing criticism against the authorities of Chechnya, Isa Khamkhoev risks to lose support of Ramzan Kadyrov against the background of deterioration in his relations with Ingush leader Yunus-Bek Evkurov. This opinion was voiced by scientists engaged in studies of the Caucasus.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on October 25, it became known that Magomed Daudov arrived to visit Isa Khamkhoev, but their meeting did not take place.

The actions of Isa Khamkhoev, who enjoyed the support of Ramzan Kadyrov, are dictated by the political situation in which the Ingush Mufti had no choice but to condemn the agreement defining the border with the neighbouring republic. Such an opinion was voiced by Akhmet Yarlykapov, Senior Researcher at the Centre for Studies of Caucasus and Regional Security Issues of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (known as MGIMO).

The Ingush Mufti's conflict with the Chechen authorities was triggered by the visit of Magomed Daudov, Speaker of the Chechen parliament, to the Isa Khamkhoev's house, suggested Magomed Mutsolgov, the head of the Ingush human rights organization "Mashr". Meanwhile, he believes that the Isa Khamkhoev's relationship with Yunus-Bek Evkurov deteriorates.

There are no prerequisites for rapprochement of the Yunus-Bek Evkurov and Isa Khamkhoev's positions, believes Mikhail Roschin, a scientist engaged in studies of the Caucasus.

Isa Khamkhoev is an "important figure" in the Ingush religious and political life, notes the scientist. According to him, having entered into a confrontation with Yunus-Bek Evkurov, Isa Khamkhoev remains "one of the two heavyweights in the Ingush policy."

Opponents of the border agreement will have to reckon with the position of the Chechen authorities, believes Akhmet Yarlykapov. He has also suggested that such a development of the events would expand the Ramzan Kadyrov's influence on the neighbouring republic.