Police buy arm, plastic bullets

Internal affairs ministry’s officers today bought 30 units of smooth-bore and 1000 plastic bullets in a private shop in Bishkek. Officers themselves informed about it to News Agency “24.kg”. They wanted to remain unnamed due to known reasons.

“If Minister Bolotbek Nogoybaev orders to shoot at people, we would not do it,” they said.    

Officers gave name and address of the shop. News Agency “24.kg” called to the shop owner; he neither confirmed nor refuted the information.

Office of the ministry said on the conditions of anonymity that bought arsenal will be handed over to the Bishkek police department. 

Bishkek Police Chief, Mayor General Moldomusa Kongantiev said: “It is special equipment. Maybe, the ministry does not have it that is why they bought it. I have not heard that arms will be given to the Bishkek police. Ask minister about it.”

Nogoybaev’s reception said that minister is at the White House at the moment.

News Agency “24.kg” hopes to get official answer from minister why prior to termless rallies the ministry buys arm and plastic bullets in private shops (!?).

Minister Nogoybaev immediately reacted on the news.

“The ministry bought arm for routine security of public order,” he said.

He asked not to relate arm purchase with upcoming rallies of the United Front “For better future of Kyrgyzstan.”

“It is coincidence. It is scheduled purchase. Our police is not equipped, we need special equipment. Right now we found money to buy necessary means for the police,” he said.