"Great Return”: New convoy of former IDPs leaves for Aghdam and Aghdara PHOTO

In accordance with the instructions of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, another group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) has returned to the village of Hasanriz in the Aghdara district and the village of Khidirli in the Aghdam district.

The families of former IDPs had previously been temporarily accommodated in various regions of the country — mainly in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings. At this stage, 91 families (366 people) are returning to Khidirli village of the Aghdam district, and 17 families (83 people) to Hasanriz village of the Aghdara district, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The returning residents expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and attention. They also thanked the valiant Azerbaijani army and the heroic soldiers and officers who liberated the country’s lands from occupation.

Currently, more than 50,000 people live in Karabakh and East Zangezur. Along with the former IDPs, this population includes people working on the implementation of regional projects, employees of local government agencies, and staff engaged in the restored health, education, culture, tourism, industry, and energy institutions.

“There is no better day than the day of returning home,” said Mukhtar Ahmadov, a former IDP and native of Khidirli village in the Aghdam district.

“When I left Khidirli, I was 9 years old. Thank God, we are returning to our homeland. May the Almighty rest the souls of our martyrs and grant health to our President and our veterans. I think there is no better day than this. Our family of four left Aghdam, and now I am returning to Khidirli with my children,” Ahmadov said.

Another group of resettlers is set to depart for Khidirli today — 91 families in total, or 366 people. Most of them had been temporarily housed in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings across the country.

“We have waited for this day for more than thirty years,” said Habib Avazov, a former IDP and resident of Hasanriz village in the Aghdara district.

“We thank our President. May God rest the souls of all our martyrs. I left Khidirli when I was seven. Now I am returning home. This is the happiest day for us. I wish all those who were once forced to leave their homes could soon return as well.”

Notably, 17 families — a total of 83 people — have been resettled in Hasanriz village on October 29.

By Khagan Isayev