12-year-old Arkady studies at school No. 3 in Kapan. On the first day of the winter vacation, he went to his grandparents in Nerkini Hand. His parents also came. They will welcome the year 2023 here.
“Of What should I be afraid? There are still shots, and voices are heard once in a while, but it’s interesting in the village,” says Arkady.
After the Azerbaijani aggression of September 13, Nerqin Hand was in the direct observation point of the enemy. Life has changed a little, they have become more careful, but they live their daily lives.
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“And who said that we shouldn’t celebrate with a glass of wine and let the Turk see it, ” says Hasmik Ghazaryan. She did not leave the village, even on dangerous days for it. She lives with her husband, son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. The other son from Kapan also came with his family to welcome 2023 together.
“We have prepared and will celebrate, but it’s not as grand as every year. The people of Nerqin Hand are the first to drink the toast of peace and martyred boys. “We saw September 13, we saw wounded people, it was suffering for us, we will never forget it,” says our interlocutor, assuring that they will never leave Nerkin Hand.
“There will always be smoke coming out of our houses so that they can see it from afar and be envious. They will say how strong you are,” says Mrs. Hasmik, raising her voice as if to make her enemy on the other side hear her.
From 2023 Mrs. Hasmik wants peace above all so that life in Nerqin Hand becomes the same as before. The regional government representatives visited Nerkin Hand on December 30 and met with the residents. Syunik Governor Robert Ghukasyan visited Nerkin Hand with his daughter Aida. The villagers invite everyone to celebrate the holiday together: “We will open a table in the village, sing and dance. Let the enemy look in front of him and be afraid,” said the villagers.
They ask permission from the commander of the N military unit to organize fireworks. The commander refuses due to security issues. OK, they have an alternative option. “And can we blow up a few thousand balloons?” half-jokingly, half-seriously, the residents ask, offering the commander to drink their pure homemade vodka before saying goodbye—an agricultural development program implemented in Nerqin Hand, which costs 25 million drams. Residents have the opportunity to expand and develop their economies.
Armen Davtyan
