Security issues and freedom of movement remain an important concern for returning residents. Georgians complain that they cannot go to Tskhinvali, mainly out of fear of being detained or beaten. They claim, “If Georgians go to Tskhinvali and speak Russian or Ossetian, they will be fine. If they speak Georgian, they will be in trouble…. They say they cannot guarantee our safety if we go to Tskhinvali, so we avoid it.” Consequently, to be safe, residents use a diversion road, bypassing Tskhinvali. However, this will not be usable during the winter months and may cause serious humanitarian concerns for residents if roads are blocked in the future by Ossetian authorities.

Ossetians are reportedly still delivering arms and digging trenches around strategic villages. Didi Liakhvi residents are afraid to leave the main road running through villages, claiming snipers remain in the hills. During one visit, they pointed at Ossetians digging trenches above them. Vanati residents fear the same from the cliffs above, where Ossetians reportedly shelled them. Indeed, one convoy carrying representatives from the international community and foreign journalists attempting to visit Sarabuki, an Ossetian village, was abruptly forced to end its further scheduled visits after armed Ossetians harassed them (apparently because they may have gotten too close to Ossetian positions). One person was forced to clear their camera of photos.

Further, Russian peacekeepers stationed at the Vanati checkpoint (to provide security and to prevent the escalation of the conflict) allow Ossetian police from Dmenisi village to stand with them—clearly demonstrating a lack of neutrality. Several Patara Likhvi residents have claimed that residents are consistently stopped by the Ossetian police and forced to pay a bribe to pass—and do so in front of the Russians, who reportedly “turn a blind eye.” Georgian residents are now in a difficult situation since they need to pass the checkpoint to gather wood for the winter, with fuel already in short supply.

Having defended villages during the conflict, police (and locals) are concerned that they will be targeted by Ossetians. They point to several random detentions and two serious beatings (one man appeared to have been tortured) to confirm this fear. Georgians are afraid to publicly complain about such events, particularly to the media, fearing retaliation. One Tamarasheni resident explained, “We are shaking. It’s like having nails stuck in your fingers. No words can explain how it feels to live here.”

Meanwhile, only 12 days remained until school is scheduled to begin. Families are afraid to send their children to damaged schools (Tamarasheni and Vanati schools were direct targets in the conflict) and may send their children to stay with relatives for the year. The Vanati school director, Julietta Khaduri, said she will keep her 10-year old daughter in school as a positive example to other families.

Many houses are without roofs and windows, and several have gaping holes in their walls. Consequently, several family members are forced to share small rooms. And winter is fast approaching. Parents are worried about the psychological effects the conflict will have on their children. Many had to endure nightly shelling. Others witness soldiers die in front of their eyes. Returning children will now have to endure nightly rounds of light shooting in the air. Families are concerned, but have no place to turn. Moreover, conflict zone residents are financially strapped with no source of income following the closure of the Ergneti black market. They complain that the prospect of jobs and future income needs to be addressed.

Guram Vakhtangashvili, a local member of parliament, pointed out that he feels children and women are safe to return, but noted, “who knows what will happen in the future. This territory is uncontrollable.”

The regional governor, Mikheil Kareli said “the conflict is not over. The conflict will continue until there is a settlement”. When asked what the Georgian government wants in the settlement, he replied that Saakashvili offered full autonomous republic status to the South Ossetians.

Meanwhile, Tamarasheni school, heavily damaged throughout the conflict, experienced light shelling on the evening of 7 September, in what may be a warning to returning residents.

In sum, South Ossetia conflict zone residents are returning to an unstable environment. Despite evidence of peace, there is no guarantee for residents’ safety. Many are ready to run if the shooting continues. Hopefully, the Georgian authorities’ recent experience will enable them to more adequately care for evacuating residents, if necessary. For as long as the Saakashvili’s aims are to reestablish Georgia’s territorial integrity, the likelihood of the conflict re-erupting remains high. Nonetheless, the return of children to Georgian villages provides a powerful symbol to the Ossetian population that Saakashvili mean peace. Importantly, prompt reconstruction and humanitarian efforts demonstrate that the Georgian authorities have the ability to respond quickly to emergency situations. Meanwhile, winter is fast approaching and many humanitarian and security concerns have yet to be addressed.