Kulob

“Most likely this was an act of intimidation against the people of Kulob, who have always been noted for being active, specifically for forming the core of the resistance against the armed opposition in the war,” he said.

Cops and Robbers in Tajikistan IWPR 2008

The Kulob operation reflects a much tougher line, which some analysts say is because Langariev was seen as a greater threat to stability, due to his political heritage as well as his alleged role in drug-smuggling.

Cops and Robbers in Tajikistan IWPR 2008

“Events in Kulob show that the state has increased its capacity and is quite determined to pursue to its conclusion its war against non-institutional centres of influence that seek to compete with it,” political expert Rashid Abdullo told IWPR.

Cops and Robbers in Tajikistan IWPR 2008

The Popular Front, like Rahmon and his political allies, was rooted in the Kulob region.

Cops and Robbers in Tajikistan IWPR 2008

Komil, also from Kulob and now living in the capital, says people from his region may be “hotheads”, but they would not support armed groups these days.

Cops and Robbers in Tajikistan IWPR 2008

Sherali, a resident of Kulob, agreed that there was little public appetite for conflict.

Cops and Robbers in Tajikistan IWPR 2008

And the recent operations in Garm and Kulob make the commanders suspect the government is now hunting them down in their lairs.

Trouble in Tajik Mountain Province IWPR 2008

Last month, security forces deployed in force in the southern town of Kulob where they besieged and eventually captured a group with paramilitary links – in this case to a pro-government militia – and now alleged to be heavily involved in drug-running.

Trouble in Tajik Mountain Province IWPR 2008

The "Kulob faction's" main opponents in this highly regionalised conflict was the Islamic Rebirth Party, IRP, whose support base was strongest in the mountains of eastern Tajikistan.

Cops and Robbers in Tajikistan IWPR 2008

As Abdullo pointed out – with reference to the whole of the country rather than Kulob specifically – the government cannot afford to have out-of-control factions around at a time when price rises and other economic factors make the public mood more uncertain than usual.

Cops and Robbers in Tajikistan IWPR 2008