Tensions have arisen in recent days in Karakalpakstan, a semi-autonomous republic of Uzbekistan. It was only on the evening of Saturday July 2 that information came out about demonstrations that took place in Noukus, the capital of this desert region. These gatherings took place following the announcement of the desire of the Uzbek central government to modify the Constitution, including articles relating to the status of the region. “ Unfortunately, there are casualties among civilians and law enforcement “, indicated the Uzbek president, Chavkat Mirzioev, quoted by his press service.
With our regional correspondent, Regis Gente
It was the information, perhaps too unclear, relating to the amendments to the Uzbek Constitution that aroused emotion in Karakalpakstan. And in particular the disappearance of the word “sovereignty” from the supreme law, whereas in 1993, the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan had agreed with the central power to remain within Uzbekistan for twenty years, after which it could organize a referendum on possible independence.
Violent dispersal of demonstrators
Which she hasn’t done so far. Last Friday, the police force, it seems, violently dispersed the demonstrators, gathered in Nukus. Immediately, the Uzbek president, Chavkat Mirzioev, declared that he was renouncing the constitutional amendments relating to Karakalpakstan. It seems that this has allowed a certain return to calm in this region of two million inhabitants, impoverished in particular by the drying up of the Aral Sea at the end of the Soviet era.
Emergency state
The central power also declared a state of emergency for a month, while the president returned on Saturday for the second time in a few days to Nukus to ease tensions. There have been ” civilian and law enforcement casualties “Said Chavkat Mirzioev, quoted by his press service, during a speech on the spot. Mr. Mirzioev did not specify the number of victims or indicate whether they were dead or injured.
►Also read : Uzbekistan: a presidential election played in advance (October 24, 2021)