Store Not Operating in Large Shen: Community Leader Reports Village Doctor Stuck in Yerevan

Since December 12, Azerbaijan has closed the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia, effectively blockading the villages of Large Shen, Old Shen, Yghhtahogh, and Lisagor in the Shushi region. Additionally, gas supply to Artsakh was halted starting yesterday.

In an interview with Radar Armenia, Large Shen Community Leader Davit Davtyan noted that there are no panic-driven sentiments in the village and that everything is under control. However, he also outlined the difficulties arising from the current situation: “Indeed, there is no gas, but there is electricity, the electricity is stable,” said the community head. According to him, the authorities in Artsakh are negotiating to resolve the issue, stating, “Let’s see what will happen in the end. There is no opportunity to go to Stepanakert; it is closed. The only connection is via phone.”

Davtyan explained that around 8 vehicles stranded on the road arrived in the village last night, all of whom were accommodated. “As much as possible, we are managing to house these people in Lisagor, Large Shen, and Old Shen with the help of the villagers,” he added.

When asked about the village’s needs, the community leader mentioned the potential for more urgent needs should the situation persist. “Currently, there is no store operating in Large Shen, there are no cigarettes, and people don’t know where to buy them. Medicines for sick people are running out, and again, they don’t know what to do. There is no problem with food,” Davtyan stated.

According to the community head, there is also no doctor in the village. “We have a nurse, but she has also remained in Yerevan. If there is a need for a doctor, we will have to bring the nurse from the neighboring village to provide first aid to the people,” he concluded.