DUSHANBE, October 12, 2010, Asia-Plus -- Ishon Zaynulobiddin (Zaynulobiddin Mannonov), who is imam khatib of mosque in Nourobod district, some 105 kilometers east of Dushanbe, and his four sons have been detained on suspicion of having contacts with terrorist groups operating in Rasht Valley, Prosecutor-General Sherkhon Salimzoda announced at a news conference in Dushanbe today.

According to him, Ishon Zaynulobiddin underwent religious studies in Pakistan and he taught young men in his house how to conduct subversive acts.  “It has been established that Ishon Zaynulobiddin has had contacts with the terrorist groups acting in Rasht.  An Investigation is under way,” the chief prosecutor noted.

As a whole, the situation in Rash Valley is calm and local authorities and law enforcement agencies work, Salimzoda said.  “Indeed, there are some illegal armed groups but their numbers are inconsiderable and the law enforcement authorities are taking measures to hunt down them.” The chief prosecutor stated.

He further added that it could not be ruled out that members of terrorist groups that would voluntarily lay down arms would be exempted from criminal punishment.  “There is an experience of the 1990s and there is an instruction of President Emomali Rahmon on this subject,” Salimzoda said, noting that 14 members of terrorists groups have bee detained and several others have been killed to this day.