In Isfara, a mosque was closed, demanding that parishioners send their sons to the army

In Isfara, authorities have set a condition for residents and the imam-khatib of one of the villages: either they send young men of conscription age to the military enlistment office for army service, or the doors of the mosques will remain closed to worshippers. 

According to “Radio Ozodi,” the “Umari Odil” mosque has been closed to residents of the village of Naiman since May 9.

On May 12, the head of the community reported that during the Friday prayer, clergy urged worshippers to send their sons to the army. According to him, most young men of conscription age from this jamoat are working in Russia.

Parents were asked to have their sons return home and serve, after which they would be able to freely attend the mosque.  A villager who is working in Russia reported that authorities are pressuring his relatives and demanding his return.

Officials have not provided any explanations regarding the closure of the mosque and the pressure on the parents of young men.

Similar cases occurred a month ago in Penjikent and the Rasht district. Residents complain that information about hazing, as well as reports of the deaths of conscripts, raise their concerns and doubts about sending their sons to serve in the army.

In Tajikistan, the tradition rooted in the Soviet Union remains – mandatory military service in the republic lasts for 2 years, while in Russia the service period is 1 year.