KHJAND, July 12, 2011, Asia-Plus -- Since the beginning of this year, applications by seven public associations in the northern Sughd province for registration have been refused, Akram Mahmoudov, a chief specialist with the section for registration of public associations within the Sughd justice directorate,  said in an interview with Asia-Plus.

Among them are Jamiat Ikhtiyorii Ziddi Sukhtor (Voluntary Firefighting Unit) in Ghonchi district, Mavji Gul in Khujand, the “Sohib” Association of Water Users in Konibodom, public support center, Kulkand, in Konibodom, Ittifoqi Zanburparvarii Sugh (Bee-keeping Union of Sughd) and Sipari Adolat (Shield of Justice) in Khujand.

Mahmoudov says their applications for registration have been refused “because their documents are in contrary to the country’s legislation.”

“Meanwhile, 24 new non-governmental organizations of different profile have been registered in the province since the beginning of this year, bringing the total number of NGOs and their representative offices operating in Sughd to 467,” Mahmoudov added.