Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a fresh approach to migration following the detention of Tajiks residing in Russia in connection with a deadly attack on a concert hall outside Moscow, which claimed the lives of at least 144 people and left 551 others wounded.
The Islamic State, the militant group that previously sought control over parts of Iraq and Syria, claimed responsibility for the mass shooting. While Russia has suggested Ukraine’s involvement in the attack, a claim was rejected by Kyiv and dismissed by Washington.
At least 12 individuals, including four suspected gunmen, have been apprehended in Russia in connection with the assault. Most of them are Tajiks who have been living and working in Russia.
Addressing police chiefs, Putin stated that the attack aimed to instigate discord, xenophobia, and Islamophobia within Russia. However, he emphasized the need for improvement in migration policies, noting that work permits were sometimes issued to individuals with significant criminal records.
“We need to deeply and fundamentally revise our approaches to migration policy,” Putin remarked, highlighting that individuals with minimal knowledge of Russian language, culture, and history were allowed to work without proper scrutiny.
“The guiding principle should be that only those who respect our traditions, language, culture, and history can come to reside and work in Russia.”
Over the past few decades, millions of individuals from former Soviet republics in Central Asia have migrated to Russia’s major cities, contributing to a vibrant 24-hour consumer culture through employment as taxi drivers, cleaners, barbers, or beauticians.
Given the projected decline in Russia’s population, which currently stands at 147 million, migrants play a vital role in the economy, particularly in heavy industry and agriculture.
“It is imperative to safeguard the interests and security of the state and society, to maintain and preserve interethnic and interreligious harmony, and to preserve our cultural and linguistic identity, all of which constitute Russia’s strength,” Putin observed.
Russia boasts at least 277 languages and dialects spoken within its borders. Approximately 10% to 15% of the country’s population adheres to Islam.
Tajik authorities have noted an increase in Tajiks leaving Russia following the attack, and Russian media have reported police crackdowns targeting undocumented migrants.
A detonation tore through a Central Asian-themed café in the southern Russian city of Voronezh during the early hours of Monday when the establishment was unoccupied.
