Azerbaijanis Asked Muradov to Convey to Armenian Side: Taron's Burial Should Be Like a Hero's, Says Voskanyan

Journalist Voskanyan writes: "Azerbaijanis have asked General Muradov to convey to the Armenian side that Taron Sahakyan should be buried like a hero.

On December 26, a memorial service was held for senior lieutenant Taron Sahakyan in the border village of Voskavan in the Noyemberyan community. The 31-year-old Taron Sahakyan was a psychologist in the army unit stationed in Jermuk and was killed while defending his position on November 16. Although he was a psychologist, he volunteered to go to the front line to protect the border. When Azerbaijani militants suggested capitulating, senior lieutenant Taron Sahakyan approached them and, pulling a grenade from an Azerbaijani soldier's uniform, detonated it while shouting, 'Boys, fire!' However, no fire was returned; the two majors present at that position failed to act as Armenian officers. Taron Sahakyan died from two wounds caused by shrapnel from the grenade.

According to unofficial Azerbaijani sources, nine Azerbaijani soldiers were killed and wounded as a result of the grenade blast caused by Taron Sahakyan. My nephew, the son of my brother-in-law, my friend Jivan Sahakyan's son, Taron Sahakyan was buried in an open coffin; there were no signs of torture on his face or body, despite some claims without evidence that he had been tortured.

General Muradov, who transferred Taron Sahakyan's body from Baku, stated that Azerbaijanis had asked him to convey to the Armenian side that Taron Sahakyan was a hero and should be buried like one.

Taron Sahakyan's father, Major Jivan Sahakyan, recounted that Taron's six-year-old son, Jivan, had told him a few days ago in the evening: 'Mom says my dad has become a star in the sky; show me that star.' The grandfather showed his grandson, who shares his name, the brightest star shining in the starry sky.

Six-year-old Jivan is a first grader at Voskavan School. When returning from school, he visits his father's grave, not far from his grandfather's house, laying 'Snickers' on the grave under the tricolor flag, saying that his father loved sweets a lot.

Taron Sahakyan's father, Major Jivan Sahakyan, an active participant in the battles of the 1990s, despite being a military retiree, continues to serve. Taron's older brother, Roman Sahakyan, is a platoon commander at a border protection unit, and his younger brother, Tigran, is in his final year at medical university, aiming to become a military doctor. Taron Sahakyan's mother, Mrs. Alvard, said today near his grave that Taron lived his life fearlessly and bravely; he could not surrender to the Turk."