CHECHNYA, September 16, Caucasus Times -

In the afternoon of September 15, over 100 angry women gathered at the Groznyy government office, the Caucasus Times corespondent reported.

The meeting was ensued as a result of rumors circulated in the area that at the Russian military base located in Khankala just in the vicinity of Groznyy 32 locals thought to be missing for the last two years were held under arrest. Some "eyewitnesses" vowed the did see the list of the detainees.

In no time the news was spread about the area since a lot number of local men were reported missing and disappeared a long time ago and mothers, wives and sisters rushed to Groznyy in hope to find their relatives. Before 3 p.m. there have been over 100 protesting women at the site in front of the government building, but no official came out.

However, some locals believe the rumors were deliberately spread to boost the election campaign of Kadyrov, instilling hope in people who were searching in vain their missing relatives and to drive the eligible voters to come to the polls.

Ruslan Adayev, Caucasus Times, Chechnya