According to expert Irakli Sesiashvili, local authority does not control situation properly, Vahabists have much more power and influence there.
“Vahabists have become more active in the gorge recently and their positions are quite strong. They are developing their business there and have some influence on the local authority and population. These privileges may turn out attractive for the youth of the Pankisi Valley. Maybe local young people will be attracted by this influence and get involved in vahabist activities. Consequently, we should pay immediate attention to this fact, because no one can predict future development of their activities. Locals have weapon in the valley, but it is not clear how mass and organized they are. We should do our utmost to make the valley transparent “, says Irakli Sesiashvili.
Source: Kakheti News Centre