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The father, grandmother, as well as other relatives and friends of Vahe Torosyan, a soldier who went missing following Azerbaijan’s massive attack on Armenia in mid-September, on Monday held a protest outside the Armenian Defense Ministry, accusing the competent authorities of inaction.

The family believes that the soldier from Lusagyugh, a village in Armavir Province, is wounded and demand that the ministry take action to withdraw him from the forests near his military post captured by Azerbaijani troops.

“I want my child back. I have been told that Azerbaijan is blocking search efforts and talks are underway. This is not a reasonable response to give to the father of a 19-year-old soldier. The negotiations may last a few years,” the angry father told reporters.

The relatives say they have not heard from Vahe for over 20 days. Search operations conducted in the Syunik border areas several times have been unsuccessful.

“The Lusagyugh residents are even ready to block roads and do everything possible to get back our child. We know that he has suffered several injuries. His mother asks me, ‘Will my son survive?’ I tell her I don't have the slightest doubt," says the neighbor, Ruzanna Karapetyan.

Karen Kirakosyan, who participated in the search operations, claims the efforts to find the son of his childhood friend are insufficient.

"More than 20 days have passed [since Vahe went missing], but no one seems to be concerned. He last called us on September 15, we have not heard from him since then… I want my grandson, my 19-year-old Vahe, back,” the grandmother says.