Turmush reported that on March 26, a meeting of leaders from state agencies and local self-government with residents of the eastern part of the Chui region (including Kemin, Chui, Issyk-Ata, and Alamedin districts) took place in Tokmok. This event was organized at the initiative of President Sadyr Japarov to promptly address the population's issues.
The main concerns of residents focus on financial losses and the unsafe location of the new livestock market in Chym-Korgon. One farmer shares: “When the market in Tokmok was closed last year, a project for a new livestock market was launched in the village of Vinogradnoe. Many entrepreneurs invested funds — each spent about 200,000 soms on containers and setup. Now these investments are at risk. We were assured that the market in Tokmok was being closed because it was located along an important bypass road. But it was moved to Chym-Korgon — again to the roadside of the same road. What is the logic?”
Residents are particularly concerned about the proximity of the new market to a fast-flowing river. “There is an extremely dangerous current with speeds of up to 80 km/h and a water volume of 50–60 cubic meters per second. You know how it is: after a successful sale of livestock, many let their guard down. If someone falls from the bridge into this current, there will be no chance of survival,” one villager shares his concerns.
Locations for the livestock market in Vinogradnoe, Chym-Korgon, and the old market in Tokmok
Residents are confident that 19 hectares in the village of Vinogradnoe is a more suitable and safe place for the market. They assert that if the funds allocated for Chym-Korgon were directed to them, they would have “long ago made this market an attractive place for trade.”
Emilbek Abdykadyrov, the akim of the Chui district, commented on the situation, noting the prospects of the site in Vinogradnoe: “I believe that the livestock market in Vinogradnoe has a great chance of success. As for the market in Chym-Korgon, I cannot comment. We have already sent a request to the governor to consider this issue,” he added.
Kanybek Abdyrahmanov, head of the Chui region's Department of Internal Affairs, noted that comfortable conditions were not created at the market in Tokmok. “For many years, traders from the Issyk-Kul and Naryn regions came here, but there were no conditions. The owner did not pay attention to this. Tourists pass through this road, and on weekends, it is impossible to get through. As a result, a decision was made to close the market and relocate it. Now the question of markets in Chym-Korgon and Vinogradnoe is being raised. Conditions need to be created,” he said.
Turmush reported at the end of January 2026 that after the opening of the new livestock market in Chym-Korgon, many people gathered. Sellers arrived from all districts of the Chui region, as well as from the Naryn and Issyk-Kul regions.
According to Almaz Dubanaev, head of the Chym-Korgon ayil okmotu, about 10,000 people arrived at the market on January 25. “The livestock market in the Chym-Korgon ayil district is already functioning, all necessary conditions for trade have been created, and all requirements are being met. Safety and order are under control. Employees of the Kemin district police department are working on-site,” he added.
All services ensure the safety and legality of the market's operations. Approximately 10,000 people came to buy and sell livestock, and the number of vehicles reached about 2,000, causing the parking area to be unable to accommodate everyone.
Turmush reported in December 2025 that the livestock market in Tokmok will be relocated to a new area, and modern multifunctional facilities are planned to be built on its old site.
The livestock market in Tokmok was one of the key trading centers in northern Kyrgyzstan, where various animals, including cows, sheep, and horses, were sold.
During inspections, it was found that the existing market did not meet sanitary, veterinary, and urban planning standards. Proximity to the highway posed threats to the safety and comfort of residents.
Therefore, it was decided to relocate the market to a new location — near the current site but away from the road and residential areas. The mayor noted that this would ensure safety for sellers and residents.
He also added that the territory of the old market has potential for further development of the city, planning to attract investors and implement new projects.
The project includes the construction of multifunctional buildings and the creation of a business space focused on technology and innovation.
According to the municipality, at the new livestock market, the city administration will make efforts to create the necessary conditions, including modern infrastructure and compliance with sanitary standards.
Representatives of the Chui district administration reported that the new livestock market, which will be relocated from Tokmok, is planned to be built in the east of the village of Vinogradnoe. “For now, we cannot provide exact information about the areas and timelines for the start of work; the project is in the planning stage. Complete information will be available upon completion of all bureaucratic procedures,” they stated.
Traders noted that the Tokmok market had one important advantage. “If the new market is located close to the road and the conditions are satisfactory, we will get used to it. But in Tokmok, it was convenient that food and spontaneous markets were nearby, where you could buy everything you needed. Now, after selling livestock, we will have to go back to Tokmok,” they shared.
Turmush previously reported that the decision to close the private livestock market in Tokmok will take effect on January 1, 2026. During inspections, it was found that the market operated on a commercial basis, charging fees for the placement and sale of animals.
At the same time, the owners did not provide the necessary investments for the development and maintenance of infrastructure.
The closure was the result of systematic violations of sanitary and environmental standards, as well as safety non-compliance.
Despite repeated warnings, the owners did not take measures to rectify the violations.
