VIDEO. "They Take Both Big and Small". Tensions Rise in Gegharkunik

Tensions continue in the village of Noratus, Gegharkunik region, as the conflict between the water patrols and poachers persists. This was reported by the newspaper "Hraparak." Since last night, fishermen from several villages have gathered in Noratus and are preparing to hold a protest by blocking the Yerevan-Sevan highway.

The police, who have been on duty for three days to prevent clashes between fishermen and water patrols, have stepped up their efforts. Those leaving the village are being detained. A resident of Noratus, Bagrat, told the newspaper that around 30 people have already been arrested. "They take both big and small; there are minors among those detained. Since this morning, the water patrol has gathered and taken the fishing boats of the fishermen in an unknown direction along with the police's special forces. We demand that those arrested overnight be released immediately. Our main demand is to be allowed to fish until the 30th of this month to earn a living," he said.

Earlier reports indicated that the situation in Gegharkunik's Noratus village is extremely tense. Fishermen from several villages are preparing to protest and plan to block the Yerevan-Sevan highway in both directions.

The fishermen's protest stems from the water patrol's ban on poaching in Sevan. Due to the tense situation, a large number of forces from the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs have been deployed to the region. Recently, fishermen had again blocked the highway, demanding a meeting with the governor and the minister of environment, insisting that they would not unblock the road until the meeting takes place.