FREEDOM-LOVING PEOPLE OF MRKONJIĆ HAVE RISEN FROM THE ASHES AGAIN AFTER THE TRAGEDY

MRKONJIĆ GRAD, FEBRUARY 3 /SRNA/ - A ceremonial academy in Mrkonjić Grad marked 30 years since the population returned to this city, which had been completely destroyed, where a large number of victims were found following the offensive by the Croatian Army and the so-called Army of BiH; the event highlighted that rising after every tragedy demonstrates the strength of the Serbian unconquerable spirit.

The Prime Minister of Republika Srpska, Savo Minić, stated that all who participated in the defense of Republika Srpska should be proud of Mrkonjić Grad.

He reminded that 30 years have passed since the aggression on 13 municipalities in the Western Krajina, which was an extension of what was happening in the Republic of Serbian Krajina.

He emphasized that he comes here with special emotions, as the graves of many of his comrades who fought alongside him to stop the regular Croatian army are here.

“Because of them, we must take special care of Republika Srpska,” Minić said, reminding that the largest mass grave was found in Mrkonjić Grad.

He said that around BAM 17 million have been invested in Mrkonjić Grad during the government’s term from 2022 to today, and that in his discussion with Mayor Dragan Vođević, they talked about what still needs to be done, because the returning population deserves a dignified life.

On the other hand, he added, a parallel battle will be waged to preserve the institutions of Republika Srpska. “When we don’t have a state, we’ve seen what happens,” Minić concluded.

The Minister of Labor, War Veterans and Disabled Persons' Protection, Radan Ostojić, congratulated the municipality on its anniversary and on the return of its people, emphasizing that this is a freedom-loving population that has always stood on the side of liberty and the fight for its ancestral hearths.

He recalled that he passed through this town in 1994 and went on to Donji Vakuf, where he was seriously wounded, and still bears the consequences today.

“Those who served in the army and police units certainly made an enormous contribution to the defense of Republika Srpska, and I always say that the people who fought for freedom drew the borders of Republika Srpska with their blood,” Ostojić said.

Mayor Vođević stated that the purpose of this academy was to show that Mrkonjić Grad is a city that has suffered greatly.

“We all remember what it looked like in 1996; everything was burned, there were many victims, but thanks to hardworking people, it rose from the ashes again,” Vođević said, congratulating his fellow citizens on the Day of Return and emphasizing that this date evokes strong emotions among the residents.

On the occasion of Municipality Day, certificates of appreciation were awarded tonight to deserving individuals, including posthumously to Slobodan Ćoćkal, for significant contributions to the development of the municipality in the fields of cultural creation, public life, and the preservation and nurturing of tradition.

A certificate of appreciation will also be awarded to Milijana Malić for her dedication to pedagogy and her significant contributions to the development of the municipality in cultural creation and fostering children’s creativity.

The cultural and artistic academy featured a choir, as well as students from “Petar Kočić” and “Ivan Goran Kovačić” Elementary Schools and the Gymnasium.

Municipality Day in Mrkonjić Grad was established as a day of remembrance for February 4, 1996, marking the return of the Serb population to their homes after five months of exile.

During the 117 days of Croatian aggression, more than 2,000 residential buildings were destroyed and burned in the Mrkonjić Grad area, while 6,000 houses were damaged and looted. The war damage was estimated at BAM 680 million.

After Republika Srpska regained control of the municipality of Mrkonjić Grad, the largest mass grave was discovered at the Orthodox cemetery, containing 181 bodies of brutally murdered Serbs.

Among the victims were 81 civilians, including 10 women, 97 soldiers of the Army of Republika Srpska, and three members of the Republika Srpska Ministry of Interior.

Another 176 bodies were found in smaller graves across the municipality.

A memorial service will be held tomorrow at the site of the mass grave for the victims who fell for freedom.