Azerbaijanis Surrounding Nerkin Hand from Three Sides: "Aravot"

Azerbaijanis have conducted extensive illegal logging in the Shikahogh Reserve after occupying the territories of Syunik, carrying out engineering work. The head of the Kapan community, Gevorg Parsyan, confirmed this fact in an interview with "Aravot." As a result of the actions taken by the Azerbaijani side, the "Shikahogh" state reserve is at risk.

“A large quantity of logging is being carried out in the Shikahogh state reserve. They are building engineering structures and roads, digging trenches. In other words, they are causing significant damage to the ecosystem as well,” said Parsyan.

He recalled that Kapan city and 18 rural settlements in the community have been considered border areas since December 18, 2021. Following the military actions in 2022, Azerbaijanis occupied the community’s territories. According to Parsyan, the solution is for Azerbaijanis to withdraw from these areas.

“We have problems related to borders, especially the situation in Nerkin Hand is concerning. As a result of the September 2022 aggression, about 2700 hectares of land from our administrative territories have been occupied by Azerbaijanis, and now Azerbaijani forces are stationed in our territories. Naturally, this situation is worrying; currently, the population is experiencing a greater atmosphere of uncertainty related to the overall situation,” he stated.

However, according to Parsyan, there is no outmigration from the Kapan community. Gevorg Parsyan addressed the current situation in the village of Nerkin Hand. “The Nerkin Hand settlement is surrounded on three sides by Azerbaijani forces. Vital resources are entirely under the control of Azerbaijani troops. The sources of drinking water have fallen under their control, as well as the village cemetery. People do not have the opportunity to visit the village church. This situation is a consequence of the combat operations in September 2022. The situation in Nerkin Hand is quite serious,” he said.