Bishkek: – 31 civilians were killed in the conflict, which broke out on the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border in Central Asia. The militaries from both sides resorted to firing and shelling in the conflict, which started over water. Stone pelting by civilians from both sides was also reported.
Tension is reigning between these two Central Asian countries, formed after the disintegration of the erstwhile Soviet Union, over water. Russia is making efforts to resolve the issue through discussions. But on Thursday, an exchange of firing started between the two militaries over the issue of water supply to the Kok-Tash region in western Kyrgyzstan. The conflict intensified with time and tanks reached the borders of both countries.
Thirty-one people were killed in the firing and shelling by militaries of both the countries and the dead include a young girl. More than 150 were injured and it is reported that more than 10,000 people fled the region in a single night. The ceasefire was announced between the Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan military on Thursday night, but it is claimed that firing started again on Friday morning.
It is said that major damages were caused to buildings, schools and property in the border areas. It had been agreed to remove the surveillance equipment regarding the disputed water issue. But Kyrgyzstan is accusing that Tajikistan backtracked on this. In the initial phases, the dispute was only between the locals. But, as per the locals, later the dispute culminated into a conflict, as soldiers from both the countries got involved.
The border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which were formed after the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991, has not been demarcated. Therefore, tension prevails between the two countries.
