| Some ten years ago Muslim fighters in Dagestan, a Russian republic in the volatile North Caucasus, declared holy war against the government in an attempt to establish an Islamic state. The province has been the scene of fighting ever since, with people from across the region joining in the rebellion. Russia, which responded with a counter-insurgency, has been accused of heavy-handed tactics and using collective punishment to quash uprisings. But as low-level fighting continues, authorities in Dagestan are coming under increasing pressure from Moscow, although many say their tactics are only making things worse. Neave Barker reports from Dagestan. |
