KHUJAND, November 4, 2009, Asia-Plus -- Two women from Sughd’s Isfara district have been detained in two separate operations on suspicion of having contacts with the banned Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), according to the Sughd police directorate.

The 50-year-old resident of the Kulkant jamoat Khanifakhon Ahmadova was detained on November 3.

“She hid a hand grenade F-1 in the territory of the production cooperative, Navgilem,” said the source,  “The preliminary investigation has established that the grenade was material evidence in criminal cases of the IMU members Abdurahim Umarov, also known as Makhsum, and Abdukholiq Boboyev, also known as Ilhombek.  Both are on the wanted persons list.”

Criminal proceedings have been instituted against Ms. Ahmadova on the provisions of three articles of Tajikistan’s Penal Code – Article 36, part 5 (complicity in crime), Article 187, Part 2 (participation in criminal grouping), and Article 195, Part 1 (illegally bearing, possessing, and acquiring weapons , explosives and explosive assemblies).

The 41-year-old resident of the Kulkant jamoat Obidakhon Qudratova was detained on November 4 on suspicion of having harbored the IMU members at her home.

“It has been established that she was harboring the IMU members at her home from March to June this year,” said the source, “It has also been established that Ms. Qudratova worked as “ansori” (aide) with the IMU members.”  Besides, subversive literature was found in her house.

Criminal proceedings have been instituted against Ms. Qudratova under the provisions of Article 187, Part 2 of Tajikistan’s Penal Code – organization of criminal grouping,