Chechnya marks first anniversary of lifting of counter-terrorism regime

A year has passed since the Kremlin halted its counter-terrorism operation in Chechnya

 Chechnya will celebrate on Friday the 1st anniversary of the lifting of a counter-terrorism operation in the republic with a parade, concerts and sports events, RIA Novosti reports.

The counter-terrorism regime was lifted by the Kremlin on April 16, 2009.

The date is now the Peace Day holiday in Chechnya.

“All cities and communities will have mass celebrations, youth parades, contests, concerts, and round tables,” a spokesman for Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov said.

Despite the lifting of the counter-terrorism regime, the North Caucasus republic continues to be plagued by militant activity.