CHECHNYA-REFUGEES: Thousands of Chechens Flee as Russians Advance

By IPS Correspondents Reprint | | Print |

Helen Badyakina and Dmitry Chelishev

MOZDOK, North Ossetia, Dec 19 1994 (IPS) - Russian regions neighbouring the rebellious republic of Chechnya are reporting a massive influx of refugees as Russian military forces close in on the Chechen capital, Grozny.

The Russian news agency Itar Tass reported Monday that the Russian migration services in the southern regions have registered more than 12,550 refugees during the past 11 days although official sources here indicate that more than 60,000 people have fled the republic as Moscow prepares for a major assault.

Ingushetia Republic and Daghestan have been most affected, and although the word from Moscow is that the refugees are being properly looked after with temporary lodging, warm clothes, blankets and medicines, local authorities are admitting that Russian institutions were not properly prepared for the influx.

Authorities from Mozdok’s department of federal migration service in the bordering Russian republic of North Ossetia however say that they are not to blame for the unsatisfactory provisions.

Head of the Federal Migration Service Tatyana Regent said it is a problem of inadequate funds. The state allocated 110 billion roubles (about 32 million dollars) in 1993 for refugee needs, but in reality only 43 billion roubles (about 12.5 million dollars) was sent.

Regent said the financial situation has not improved this year. In an interview with the Russian daily ‘Nezavisimya Gazeta’. She said that of the 591 billion roubles (about 172 million dollars) earmarked for her department, only 60 billion roubles (about 17 million dollars) had actually been disbursed.

“We are trying to help each person addressing us,” said Anatoly Shamanaev, head of Mozdok regional migration service.

“During the day I see so many people’s sufferings and ruined destinies that I can’t sleep at night,” he said, adding that at present they could only provide people with a few tins of canned meat and some cereals.

Authorities in Ingushetia expect the final count of refugees — mainly ethnic Russians — out of Chechnya will be more than 100,000, meaning that many will not be able to be accommodated by the administration, with their only hope of shelter being provided by friends or relatives.