An attempt to disarm the population of Chechnya in the spring of 1840 had caused unrest which grew into open rebellion against the Russian authorities. The Caucasus resistance leader, Imam Shamil, took this opportunity to appoint Ahberdila Muhammad as naib (governor) of Lesser Chechnya and call for a general uprising of the Nadterechny Chechens, the tribes inhabiting Ingushetia, the Galashevtsy, and the Arshtins. The Russian authorities felt compelled to organize a military expedition against the rebels.