Pavel Tsoroyev, Nazran. Exclusively for Vestnik Kavkaza
About 3,500 people gathered in front of the Consent Tower which is thought to be a symbol of unity in Magas. They expressed solidarity with people of Crimea and those who supported the decision to merge with Russia. The rally had mottos “Sevastopol-Crimea-Russia,” “We stand for brotherly people of Crimea,” “We don’t leave our own behind,” “Ingushetia is for prosperity of Crimea,” “President Putin, we are with you!”
Zelimkhan Ozdoyev, MP of the People’s Assembly, exclaimed at the arrangement: “Welcome to the united family of Russia’s peoples!” Zelimkhan Yevloyev, the secretary of the Ingush regional office of the United Russia, stated that with the peninsula our country gained residents who are able to consolidate in a difficult period and make right and reasonable decisions.
“Ingushetia was one of first regions of Russia, which responded the events in Crimea and sent humanitarian aid to residents of the peninsula. 150 tons of cargo were collected,” Colonel Vasily Svetlichny, ataman of the Sunzhen Cossack Army, told Vestnik Kavkaza. “I saw eyes, faces of Crimean residents and I can surely say that none of them doubted about being citizens of Russia. We also expressed solidarity to the Ukrainians, as what certain extremist politicians do is not connected with the nation.”
“The decision should have been made more than 20 years ago. Historic justice might finally be served. We absolutely support people of Crimea and are ready to defend its interests. The Department of the Federation of Russian Cossacks Union in Ingushetia sent a message to Vladimir Putin, offering help to people of Crimea, in the very first days of the crisis. The Cossacks of Crimea were first to defend people. We urge hotheads in Kiev to calm down. Western interference is unacceptable. We will solve our own problems,” Khadji-Umar Sultygov, the deputy head of the regional office of the Russian FIC in Ingushetia, Major General of the Cossack Army, stated. “People of Crimea made the historic decision willingly. I think it is symbolic that 244 years ago the Ingush people made the same choice – joined Russia willingly. There was no blood and conflicts.”
Participants of the meeting expressed their concern about spreading Nazi groups in Ukraine and adopted a resolution of support of the Russian authorities’ activity. “We say our firm No! to the Maidan and fascism, riots, and chaos. They try to rewrite history, diminishing the deed of our soldiers,” Alikhan Shaumiyev said, the editor-in-chief of a youth newspaper.
