Security is the Top Priority: Kapan Community Leader on Challenges

The villages of the enlarged Kapan community in the Sisian region have become adjacent to Azerbaijan due to new realities. These include David Bek, Kaghniut, Ujanis, Yeghvard, Agarak, Ditsmayer, Syunik, Geghanush, Jakatent, Shikahogh, Srashen, Nerkhin Hand, and Tsav. Kapan city is also among them.

After the war, numerous problems have arisen, causing distress among residents, but everyone is currently seeking answers to one crucial question: how will their security issue be resolved? Kapan community leader Gevorg Paryan stated in an interview with Armenpress that security has become the number one concern. This concern is not tied to any current incidents, but rather the residents' anxiety regarding the future processes of border delineation.

"We are losing our security, do you understand? After that, material issues arise. Yes, our possibilities for grazing lands, arable lands, and forests have diminished. There will be significant damage related to agriculture, but our foremost priority now is to maintain the security of the residents; the remaining social and economic issues are secondary at this stage," said the community leader, emphasizing that volunteers have been engaged to effectively address security concerns.

Gevorg Paryan pointed out that no demarcation work has yet been carried out in their area; however, there is a great deal of uncertainty regarding border clarification, and neither he nor the residents know what to expect.

"If the border guideline coincides with the borders of the USSR, then serious security issues will arise. In the case of Tavush, the villages are somewhat distant from the border, but in the case of Kapan city, we are talking about one kilometer," he noted.

The community leader remarked that due to the new realities, residents have been deprived of many things and their economic opportunities have been reduced. There is a need to implement new programs in border communities so that locals can develop their skills and adapt to new realities. While there are economic and social problems, the community leader reassures and emphasizes once again that security is paramount.