On September 17-18, Interior Minister Ramazon Rahimzoda visited districts in the Rasht Valley (eastern Tajikistan) to inspect local police departments, according to the Interior Ministry’s website.

The interior minister reportedly visited police departments in Nourobod, Lakhsh (formerly Jirgatol), Rasht and Tojikobod districts.

The meeting focused on issues related to  strengthening public order, providing security of citizens and protecting state interests.

During the meetings, the minister, in particular, pointed to the necessity of expanding cooperation with local authorities and local cooperation.

Rahimzoda also held meetings with representatives of the State Committee for National Security (SCNS)’s office in the mentioned districts and servicemen of the SCNS special operations unit, Alpha, deployed in the area, the source said.