"LIFE" UNDER A BRIDGE
A1+
[02:28 pm] 10 December, 2007
My two grandchildren do not go to school as they have nothing to
wear. My third grandson is liable to military service. Unfortunately
he cannot be recruited to the army as nobody knows about our existence,
70-year-old Siranush Melikian told A1+.
Mrs. Siranush lives under a bridge in Nerkin Charbakh district with
her husband and three grandchildren.
A1+ referred to their family status 1.5 years ago but the story has
found no response. Neither the Ministry of Social Affairs nor the heads
of the country seem to care for the family living under an open sky.
Nobody is concerned over our status. They only say we must vacate the
territory as if we are criminals, saboteurs or agents. Aren’t our
authorities interested in people living under the bridge, Siranush
Melikian wonders. The family is hardly able to make both ends meet.
We toil and moil all summer, grow vegetables and fruit to feed the
children. Nobody wants to employ elderly people like us. But the
children cannot live without food, grandma Siranush says.
Her daughter Liana has tried hard to find a job. But all her efforts
have failed as she has no registration. The state is simply unaware
of the family’s existence.
I pray for children every day. I only want them to go to bed with a
full stomach, Mrs. Siranush said all in tears.
Siranush Melikian is a unique personality. She is not vexed by the
ongoing hardships and obstacles of life.
She thanks God for every day and nurses hopes somebody will finally
hold a hand to the family after getting familiarized with their
inhumane conditions.