"Chechen policemen are hot on the traces of kidnappers and find the missing people," Mr. Dudayev stressed.
According to the temporary press center of the Russian Interior Ministry in the North Caucasus, 87 militants were killed and 225 arrested in Chechnya from January till May 2004 and over 80 bandits gave themselves up.
This was announced at the yesterday session of the counter-terrorist operation chiefs in Khankala, Grozny's suburb, where the headquarters of the united group of federal forces is located.
All in all, 390 caches with weapons, ammunition and explosives were discovered, 35 terrorist crimes were solved and 180 terrorist acts prevented in Chechnya since the beginning of the year, the press center said.
The number of crimes reduced from 2,629 to 2,503 in comparison with January-May 2003. Crimes in public places decreased by 30%. The press service also pointed out the decrease in the number of murders, thefts and drug trafficking.
However, the number of terrorist acts, illegal arms trade, muggings, fraud and economic crimes has increased.
"Over 17,000 claims, which are not subject to compensations, were found out. Thus, illegal payments to the sum of 6 billion rubles were prevented," the press center added.
