March from Kirants to Yerevan Demands Government to Halt to Border Demarcation

In a move to echo the sentiments of many Armenians, a group of determined individuals initiated a march from Kirants village in Tavush, destined for the capital city of Yerevan. The group left Kirants on Saturday, May 4, at approximately 4 p.m. local time. The participants are on a journey that symbolizes their adamant call for action against ongoing border demarcation processes.

[Archbishop shows a cross that he received two days before the 2020 war began. He called this cross 'The Cross of Victory and Peace'. He kissed the cross before he put it on and started the march from Kirants to Yerevan.]

Boarding vehicles in the vicinity of Sarigyugh village, the marchers, led by Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, head of the Diocese of Tavush, made their way towards Haghartsin village, where they intend to spend the night before continuing their trek. The decision to march directly to Yerevan stems from a collective desire to amplify their demands and garner widespread attention to their cause.

[The Archbishop who is leading the march from Kirants to Yerevan says they are taking their movement to Yerevan, "the solution to the problem should be found there". He made their message clear to the media present before embarking on their walk to Yerevan.]

Archbishop Galstanyan, addressing the gathering in Kirants prior to departure, emphasized the urgency of halting the border demarcation process, both locally and nationally. "The Tavush for the Homeland movement decided to go directly to Yerevan with its people and demand answers and formulate the demand that this process should be stopped both here and elsewhere," stated Archbishop Galstanyan. He emphasized the organic nature of the movement, emphasizing its grassroots origins and widespread support.

[Grandmother Lena who has captured the hearts of those who are following this movement was asked to bless their march from Kirants to Yerevan. Archbishop kneeled before the elderly woman for her to bless his journey ahead. In his turn, Archbhishop Bagrat reminded the group that the soul will win this movement instead of grit. "Հոգին հաղթելու է դուխին" - Hogin haght’elu e dukhin]

Political figures have lent their voices to the cause, with NA opposition deputy Garnik Danielyan and "People's Unity" party leader Suren Petrosyan standing in solidarity with Archbishop Galstanyan and the marchers. Their presence shows the nonpartisan nature of the movement, with participants uniting under the tricolor banner of Armenia, transcending political affiliations in pursuit of a common goal.

[The march arrived from Kirants to Ijevan under the rain. The group was welcomed by supporters. Archbishop Bagrat is seen petting an Armenian gampr whom he wants to lead their march.]

While Archbishop Galstanyan hinted at the involvement of additional political forces, specifics were not disclosed. However, he reiterated that the movement is inclusive, welcoming all who oppose the continuation of border demarcation efforts deemed unacceptable by many Armenians.

[March continues under the rain. Citizens driving past the marching group are stopping to honk in support. Someone in a van brings the marchers warm sandwiches, water, and soft drinks.]

"This is not a struggle of blacks and whites, but that we are standing in tricolor," remarked Archbishop Galstanyan, alluding to the colors of the Armenian flag. "There are no specific political forces here, but many people wanted to participate in their march, who aim to finally stop the process of border demarcation, which is unacceptable to them."

[The children of Ijevan performed Armenia's national anthem together with the participants of the march.]

As the march progresses towards Yerevan, the participants are hopeful that other citizens will join them in their pursuit for a strong and secure homeland. 

The Armenian Report’s Ani Khachatryan is with the group marching while Ani Gevorgyan has stayed behind in Kirants village.

[Saturday's march stopped in the Haghartsin village to allow people to rest before resuming their journey towards Yerevan on Sunday. Prior to dispersing, the group made a collective visit to Haghartsin Monastery, a 13th-century religious site situated near the town of Dilijan in the Tavush Province of Armenia. Archbishop Bagrat delivered another speech, followed by a moment of prayer.]

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