05 March 2019, 17:12
Chechen Minister Umarov stops discussion with blogger Abdurakhmanov
Djambulat Umarov explained his decision to stop a discussion with Tumso Abdurakhmanov by the opponent's reluctance to be engaged in a constructive dialogue. Residents of Chechnya associated the end of the dispute with the Ramzan Kadyrov's absentee participation in it.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that during an online discussion, Djambulat Umarov, Minister for National Policy of Chechnya, and blogger Tumso Abdurakhmanov, argued about the causes of the war in Chechnya. Meanwhile, Djambulat Umarov found it difficult for him to answer the blogger's question about Akhmat Kadyrov's appeals for jihad. Tumso Abdurakhmanov looks more convincing in the dispute, YouTube users believe.
During the discussion, Djambulat Umarov announced a positive perception of a militant raid on Budyonnovsk at the end of the first Chechen military campaign. Users of social networks treated such statements voiced by the Russian official as unacceptable.
Djambulat Umarov posted on his Instagram account a video appeal to Tumso Abdurakhmanov, in which he announced the end of their discussion.
Djambulat Umarov also wished Tumso Abdurakhmanov that he and his four children "should live normally, being not pursued by any problems" and that the blogger should understand that he was used "to spoil the image of the Chechen people."
Some Instagram users noticed the increased popularity of Tumso Abdurakhmanov in connection with the online dispute.
The completion of the correspondence debate between Djambulat Umarov and Tumso Abdurakhmanov was expected after Ramzan Kadyrov's reaction, suggested Aslanbek, an NGO member.
"It was evident that the topic of the discussion was unpleasant for the leader of Chechnya. Apparently, this is the reason why the Minister decided to stop further dispute with the blogger," notes Aslanbek. Attempts by officials of the Chechen authorities to discredit Tumso Abdurakhmanov had the opposite effect, believes Sakhib, a resident of Grozny.
"Tumso Abdurakhmanov is now perceived by many people as a hero who is telling the truth and to whom those in power have nothing to oppose," said the Grozny resident.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on March 3, 2019 at 12:04 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
Source: CK correspondents
