Tajikistan transfers detained schoolchildren to Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek, Sept. 24, 2021 . / Kabar / . Two 16-years-old citizens of Kyrgyzstan, residents of regions of Batken Oblast were detained by unknown persons in Leilek region. The press service of the State Border Service of Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security reported that the detained citizens were helping smugglers in loading cargo near the conditional state border line. At that time, unknown persons from Tajikistan detained two citizens at an undescribed section of the border and stole a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter into the territory of Tajikistan. At present, governors of Batken and Sughd Oblasts are holding a meeting at the Kulundu-Avtodorozhnyi checkpoint with the participation of representatives of the power structures of the sides. The meeting is addressing a number of issues, including the involvement of law enforcement agencies of Tajikistan in the detention of Kyrgyz citizens, as well as the issue of the return of schoolchildren to their home country. As a result of the meeting, the Tajik side handed over the two detained schoolchildren to the Kyrgyz side. In order to prevent the escalation of conflicts, border guard units stationed in Leilek region of Batken Oblast are switched on heightened alert.