Bishkek: Emergency has been clamped in the central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan, once a part of the Soviet Union. President Sooronbay Jeenbecov informed that the emergency would remain in force till 21st June and military deployment has been ordered in capital Bishkek. The crisis developing in the fourth country, Kyrgyzstan, in the Russian dominated zone, following Belarus, Armenia and Azerbaijan is considered to be a challenge for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Elections were held in the last week, in Kyrgyzstan. Two parties linked to President Sooronbay Jeenbecov polled the maximum votes. The opposition parties could garner hardly 1/3rd votes. Expressing displeasure over this, the opposition parties accused of malpractices during elections. After the government refuted the allegations, massive protests were started in major cities, including capital Bishkek. The protest, which was peaceful in the beginning, turned following violent action by the security forces, in the night. The protestors attacked the government buildings and even prisons. At this time, many government officials and the former President was released from the prison.
The opposition united and increased the extent of the protests. There were many incidents of arson, robbery and stone pelting, in many cities, including capital Bishkek. Succumbing to the pressure of the protests, the election commission decided to scrap the elections, held on 4th October. Thereafter, President Jeenbecov ordered the political parties to form a new interim government. He even offered to resign once political stability is established, after the formation of the new government. But owing to the massive differences between the political parties, the new government has not been formed and the agitation is continuing. A question mark has been placed on the future of the President as he has avoided direct interaction with the people and even being present at public places, during this period.
The parliament announced that Sadir Zaparov has been selected to form a new interim government. But there is a big question mark regarding the support enjoyed by him. Russia commented that the situation in Kyrgyzstan is of confusion and anarchy and expressed strong concerns over the situation. A spokesman informed that Kyrgyzstan issue was discussed during a meeting presided over by President Putin. Kyrgyzstan is a member of the ‘Collective Security Treaty Organisation’ formed with Russian initiative. Under this, there is a provision that Russia will help, if the political and security systems failed in any member country. Therefore, it is believed that Russia may be compelled to interfere if the crises continue. Kyrgyzstan is considered to be strategically important for Russia, as there is a Russian base in the country.
Over the last two months, crises are developing in the countries dominated by Russia, one after the other. An extensive and robust agitation started against President Alexander Lukashenko, in Belarus, following the elections held in August. The agitation is still continuing. After that, a fierce war was sparked between Armenia and Azerbaijan, since the last 13 days. Although Russia is trying to mediate, there are no hopes for an early resolution. After that, now, there is anarchy like situation in Kyrgyzstan.
Russian President Vladimir Putin started strong efforts to bring the countries, that once formed a part of the Soviet Union, under the Russian influence again. He formed certain organisations to strengthen cooperation in the diplomatic and security sectors while providing financial assistance. The western countries, including the United States, are making efforts on different levels to counter these Russian efforts. Against this background, it becomes significant that the scheme of the Russian President is receiving minor jolts, which is evident from the developments over the last two months.
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