In the last few weeks, there have been numerous problems with Uzbekistan’s Ferghana Valley neighbors. While incidents have been provoked in the past, there has been a confluence of strife recently, likely due to the anniversary of the Andijon shootings of May 2005.
In Tajikistan, the Uzbeks have erected a checkpoint along some disputed point in the Soghd region. The Tajik governor confirms that Tajiks passing into their own agricultural fields have been forced to pay customs fees and show their papers. No vehicles are allowed in unless fees are paid.
In Kyrgyzstan, only one checkpoint was open until June 4 between the two states after a few violent incidents last week, including shootings in Khanabad and Andijon. Papers are being checked carefully at the crossing and both sides are looking for the as yet not found assailants.
The Uzbeks believe the assailants came from Kyrgyzstan so tensions have been high between the two states. A few days ago, the two states detained each others border guards before releasing them. After having closed most border crossing points, all have been re-opened, so presumably tensions have simmered down, at least for now.
