Devendra Kumar
The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh has led to a mass exodus of its population, with more than 80 per cent of the population fleeing to Armenia. The separatist government in Nagorno-Karabakh has announced that it will dissolve itself and cease to exist by the end of the year. The Armenian government reports that over 97,700 people, from a population of around 120,000, have fled to Armenia since Azerbaijan’s attack and orders for the region’s militants to disarm.
The conflict in the region has been ongoing for decades, with tensions rising in recent years. Azerbaijan has carried out a lightning offensive to reclaim full control over the breakaway region, demanding that Armenian troops disarm and the separatist government disband. The separatist government in Nagorno-Karabakh has cited a September 20 agreement to end the fighting, under which Azerbaijan will allow the “free, voluntary and unhindered movement” of Nagorno-Karabakh residents to Armenia.
Some of those who have fled the region have expressed their despair and fear for their future. Student Ani Abaghyan, 21, told The Associated Press that she left Stepanakert with a slight hope that something would change and she would be able to return soon, but her hopes have been ruined by the dissolution of the government. Many people in the region are deeply suspicious and fearful due to the decades of conflict and targeted attacks.
Despite Azerbaijan’s pledge to respect the rights of ethnic Armenians in the region, most are fleeing as they do not believe the Azerbaijani authorities will treat them fairly and humanely or guarantee them their language, religion and culture. The blockade of the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh with Armenia has exacerbated fuel shortages and made it difficult for people to access basic necessities.
In recent developments, a fuel reservoir explosion at a petrol station in Nagorno-Karabakh has killed at least 68 people and left nearly 300 injured, with over 100 others still missing. The explosion has added to the chaos and uncertainty in the region. Azerbaijani authorities have charged a top separatist figure, Ruben Vardanyan, with financing terrorism and other crimes, while another separatist leader, David Babayan, has indicated that he will surrender to Azerbaijani authorities.
The situation in Nagorno-Karabakh remains uncertain, with the fate of its population and the future of the region hanging in the balance.