The Uzbek interior ministry said security forces broke up an unsanctioned demonstration in the city of Nukus, the capital of Pakistan’s Karakal, and that security had been secured there.
“As a result of a misinterpretation of the constitutional reforms being carried out in the republic, some citizens of Karakalpakstan organized an unsanctioned demonstration throughout the city of Nukus, after which they gathered in the central Dekhkan district,” the ministry said in a statement.
She added: “In order to prevent public disorder and prevent citizens from committing various crimes on the lands of the market, Deccan took part in the dispersal of the rally with the help and means of law enforcement agencies, and public order was immediately restored.”
She pointed out that “work is underway with citizens to clarify the illegality of violations of the law, as well as to consider problems and appeals of citizens in the prescribed manner.”
Karakalpakstan is located in the eastern part of the country, occupies an area of 40% of its territory. There are two official languages: Uzbek and Karakalpak.
The Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan held a meeting last Wednesday, during which it discussed preparations for holding a referendum on amending the constitution.
In December 2021, the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a month after his election as president for a second term, proposed amendments and additions to the current Constitution. The Constitutional Committee has prepared a draft law that provides for about 200 amendments to the current Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan accepted in 1992.
According to the new version of the Basic Law, it is proposed to exclude the provisions that the state of Karakalpakstan is part of the Republic of Uzbekistan and prevent its withdrawal from the country on the basis of a referendum of its people.
Source: “TASS”