Azerbaijan resettles 98 more former IDP families back in Aghdam, Khojavand

More groups of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) have departed for the liberated districts of Aghdam and Khojavand as part of Azerbaijan’s ongoing resettlement programme.

According to Report, 41 families comprising 156 people are returning to Aghdam, while 57 families consisting of 206 people are heading to Khojavand.

The returning families had previously lived in temporary accommodation, including dormitories, sanatoriums, children’s camps, unfinished buildings and administrative facilities.

Former IDPs returning to Aghdam and Khojavand shared their impressions ahead of the departure of the latest groups of residents to the liberated territories.

Speaking to journalists, Aghdam resident Namig Jabbarov said he was returning to his native home after 33 years.

“I was forced to leave my hometown at the age of 17 or 18. Thank God, after 33 years, I am returning to my native Aghdam,” he noted.

Jabbarov added that he is returning to his homeland together with five members of his family.

“I am overwhelmed with joy and cannot put my feelings into words. On the night of the Khojaly genocide, I was forced to leave my home, and today I am returning there with my children and grandchildren,” said Aghdam resident Shovkat Khalilova.

Anar Tahirov, who is returning to Khojavand, said he had left his home in 1992 at the age of five.

“I am eagerly awaiting my return to my native home,” he added.

As a result of the Azerbaijani Army’s brilliant victory in the Patriotic War under the leadership of Azerbaijani President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev, former IDPs have been given the opportunity to voluntarily, safely and dignifiedly return to their homeland after 30 years.

The residents expressed gratitude to the head of state and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the comprehensive care and support provided by the government. They also thanked the brave Azerbaijani Army for liberating the country’s lands from occupation and honoured the memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this noble cause.

By Vugar Khalilov