AKHALKALAK, Georgia— On September 30, locals from the Armenian populated village of Gumburdo (called Kumudo by Georgian) in Georgina’s southern province of Javakhk (called Samstekh-Javakheti by Georgians) clashed with the police after they were stopped from placing a Khachkar (Armenian cross stone) in the yard of the local church, reported Akhalkalak based JNews.ge.
According to Jnew.ge reporters, villagers walked over to Surp Hampartsum Church (Holy Ascension) expecting to place the Khachkar but were unexpectedly met with the police. Clashes ignited and several Armenians were beaten by batons as a result. Many sustained injuries and few others were detained.
Georgian authorities claimed that the church is on the list of cultural heritage, hence any changes made to the temple itself or the yard requires formal authorization, which has not been given.
However, co-chair of the unregistered Georgian Virk Party, Davit Rstakyan, told Armenia’s News.am that there were discussions with Georgian authorities following the recent elections where they had agreed for the placement of the Khachkar.
“As you know, during restoration of the church, Georgians destroyed the Armenian cemetery, after which the Armenian community wanted to set up a new burial place with the Khachkar they had planned to place,â€
