Around 15,000 staff will ensure security during the SCO summit and the Nomad Games

Around 15,000 members of Kyrgyzstan’s law enforcement and government agencies have been placed on high alert in connection with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit and the 6th World Nomad Games.

On 29 August, President Sadyr Zhaparov held a parade in Bishkek of the units involved in maintaining public order and security during these international events.

The garrison parade was attended by personnel from the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Health, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the State Security Service, the Tax and Customs Services, the State Penitentiary Service, the Border Guard Service and the Judicial Department under the Supreme Court.

The heads of the departments reported to the President on the readiness of their units to carry out their duties as part of the comprehensive ‘Security’ operation.

Sadyr Zhaparov was also shown the vehicles and equipment that will be used during the summit and the Nomads’ Games. These included armoured vehicles, ambulances and resuscitation vehicles, command and control vehicles, water cannons, anti-drone guns, radio communication equipment, metal detectors, portable X-ray machines and special manipulators.

Mounted and canine units also took part in the parade.

The President instructed the relevant agencies to strengthen cooperation, strictly maintain discipline, monitor areas where large crowds gather and respond promptly to members of the public. At the same time, he demanded that staff show courtesy when interacting with residents and foreign visitors.

“Although our official duties to the country vary, we must never forget that ensuring the security of the state and the peaceful life of our people is a shared and equally important task for each and every one of us,” stated Sadyr Zhaparov.

The Head of State also announced that work would continue on modernising the security forces, strengthening their material and technical base, increasing pay and expanding social support for officers.

Separately, the President announced tough measures against individuals who, he said, under the influence of “destructive external forces”, are attempting to destabilise the situation in the country. He called on members of the security forces to demonstrate discipline, professionalism and responsibility.

The SCO Summit will take place in Bishkek from 31 August to 1 September. The 6th World Nomad Games will be held from 31 August to 6 September. The opening ceremony will take place at the ‘Bishkek Arena’ stadium, whilst the main sporting and cultural events will be held in the Issyk-Kul region.