Number of people participating in Azatazen’s shooting courses multiplies following latest incidents

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 22, ARMENPRESS. Economist, cultural expert, engineer and many other specialists from different areas have gathered around one goal today, to participate in shooting trainings, first aid courses and to study how to use weapons. The latest large-scale military aggression of Azerbaijan against Armenia made many people think about special preparedness.

Hayk Melkumyan is an economist by profession and is working in telecommunications sector. By using the first opportunity, he rushed to the shooting range of Azatazen military-educational NGO.

“Taking into account the situation in the country, I decided to participate, maybe we will need it one day. It’s a very important initiative. If there is a necessity to participate in combat operations, we need to be prepared. I am planning to make my visits to the shooting range continuous”, he told Armenpress.

Safety equipment engineer Alexei Hovhannisyan said he fired last time 22 years ago. But as he says, the situation on the borders of Armenia, the security issues brought him and many of his colleagues to this shooting range.

“The initiative to participate in these courses belongs to our senior colleague. Both shooting and first aid courses are being organized. I am very impressed, they are good specialists and teach well. I would like everyone to participate in such courses and be prepared”, he said.

The courses are being held at the initiative of Azatazen by their specialists. The idea is the following – to shoot down, not to be shot down. The specialists of the initiative conduct consistent daily works for preparing the citizens.

Co-founder of Azatazen Spartak Kyureghyan said that when a person knows how to use a weapon, is capable to shoot correctly, has the first aid skills, he is confident both on himself and his friend.

“The number of people has significantly increased following the latest incidents. We have transitioned to a busier work schedule. Many citizens apply to us, and we are trying to engage all. People visit both in organizations, groups or individually”, he said.

The number of female representatives visiting the shooting range of Azatazen has greatly increased recently.

According to cultural expert Sona Azizyan, the activity of this organization, which provides an opportunity to participate in shooting courses, is highly necessary.

“In our country we all need to be always ready. Homeland is not for one day, it is the most precious heritage. It is above all else. We are responsible to our ancestors and generations to protect our Homeland”, Sona Azizyan said.

Despite the active flow of visitors, no one has been left without a course. Azatazen has concentrated all its resources on the process of properly working with applicants. The organization is planning to expand its activity. Currently, the proposals on establishing similar shooting ranges in other provinces are being discussed.

Interview by Anna Gziryan

Cameraman Hayk Barseghyan

Photos by Gevorg Perkuperkyan