According to eyewitnesses, from the first day of their training together Markaryan, an Armenian, began to take interest in officers from Azerbaijan. The aim was to find out if there was anyone from the invaded territories of Karabakh. When Makaryan found out that Ramil was a IDP (internally displaced person) from Karabakh he began irritating him.

The event took place on 19 February - a few days before the Khojali tragedy, during which Armenian forces massacred all the residents of the city of Khojaly. Makaryan was openly making fun of this very tragic even in Azerbaijan''s history. He was heard saying that "in a few days the Azerbaijanis would celebrate their favorite holiday, Khojaly." He then went on to "congratulate" Ramil of the event. All these were factors offended Ramil greatly. It offended his honor as a great Son of Azerbaijan.