Villagers Claim Unfair Distribution of Assistance to Those Affected by Hail

A group of residents of three rural communities in the marz (province) of Armavir are convinced that the financial assistance provided to residents of villages affected by the hail was distributed unequally. Several of these residents spoke with an Epress.am correspondent, describing the developments of the last few months. 

"They brought quite a lot of suitable seeds, but we don't know where they went… they distributed the seeds rag-tag by the spoonful," said Shenavan resident Barunak Ghukasyan.

Ghukasyan told Epress.am that those who complained that the seeds were distributed unequally were persecuted, and many were reprimanded by the community's leaders at length. 

"Whoever spoke up was confronted and made to understand that 'dear boy, don't make any trouble; this is how it is; this is how the state is.' Well if the village head is protected at the level of the regional governor and prime minister, who can say anything to the village head? I'm talking about not only our village head, but also those of the other affected villages. All this came from above; everything was done according to the regional governor's directive," opined Ghukasyan. 

Haykavan resident Hovhannes Hakobyan stressed that assistance was available only to the well-off. 

He said that many of the villagers are extremely disappointed and stricken; meanwhile, village head Mamikon Gevorgyan has gone to Europe, on vacation.

"From 400 households, 40 families received 50,000 [dram each]; 80 people received the package from the Red Cross; and 150 received 40,000 [dram]. There has been no other assistance to the village; there were [also] the seeds that were given in pity, but many refused," said Hakobyan. 

Mrgashat resident, Yerem Araqelyan, also believes that the assistance was provided unfairly.

"Now, supposedly, they've brought wheat seeds as assistance. That is that they want to help in some way, but look, 1 kg [of wheat seeds] is counted at 80 drams; they give it away for free now on the condition that next year you will pay twice as much per kilo, or settle with 160 dram [per kilo]. The seed is hollow; they painted it red and brought it [to us]. As for what's inside, it'll be clear after it grows – of course, if anything grows. It turns out that this wheat of unknown origin will either yield crops or deal us a second blow," concluded Araqelyan.