In a recent development, the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan (SCNS) has announced the closure of 37 mosques and religious institutions in the Batken region. This action comes as part of an ongoing effort by an interdepartmental working group, which includes representatives from various government agencies such as the SCNS, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Commission on Religious Affairs, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Health, the office of the Presidential Envoy to the region, the head of the Architecture Department, the Cadastre state institution, and the Spiritual Directorate of the Muslims of Kyrgyzstan. Their mission is to assess the operations of religious establishments across the country.
The committee has underscored the critical issues affecting the religious landscape in Batken, emphasizing the proliferation of religious structures constructed without adherence to established norms and without considering the actual needs of the local population. Additionally, the lack of consistent standards and oversight within religious educational institutions has exacerbated the situation.
As a response to these violations, authorities have taken action by issuing citations and instructions to 55 mosques and 6 religious educational institutions for failing to comply with the Law on Freedom of Religion and Religious Organizations, as well as architectural, construction, sanitary, epidemiological, and fire safety standards. Consequently, 32 mosques and 5 religious educational institutions have had their operations temporarily suspended, and eight cases of violations have been documented by the Internal Affairs Department of Batken region.
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This development in Batken follows a similar situation in the Osh region, where 39 mosques and 21 religious educational institutions were recently closed due to non-compliance with regulations. Moreover, a concerning lack of adherence to fire safety rules was discovered in 172 out of 192 mosques and namazkanas in Talas, and sanitary and hygienic standards were violated in 107 religious institutions.
These actions are part of a broader effort to maintain order and ensure the safety and compliance of religious institutions across Kyrgyzstan. The government is committed to upholding the law and preserving the integrity of religious practices while addressing critical issues within the religious sector.
