Great Return: Another group of former IDPs returns to Shusha UPDATED

Another group of former IDPs who left Baku's Garadagh district in the morning of October 8 arrived in Shusha.

The keys to flats were handed to 60 residents of 16 families who returned to their hometown, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The ceremony was attended by employees of the Special Representation of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Shusha district, the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs and the State Reserve Department of Shusha city.

09:49

A new group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) has departed for the city of Shusha.

Families who were previously temporarily housed in dormitories, sanatoriums, children's camps, unfinished buildings, and administrative facilities in various regions of Azerbaijan have now embarked on their journey from the Garadagh district of Baku. This time, 16 families, comprising 60 people, have returned to their homeland, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

This voluntary, safe, and dignified return has been made possible by the decisive victory of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces in the Patriotic War, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. After 30 years, former IDPs now have the opportunity to return to their native lands.

The residents of Shusha expressed their gratitude to the head of state and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive support and care. They also thanked the brave Azerbaijani army for liberating the lands from occupation, and offered prayers for the souls of the martyrs who gave their lives for this noble cause.

With this latest relocation, Shusha now has permanent accommodation for 220 families (823 people) in total.

By Khagan Isayev