Azerbaijan's Khojaly witnesses new chapter of hope and renewal

In the heart of Garabagh, the district of Khajaly stands as a poignant symbol of resilience and remembrance. Once a site of unimaginable tragedy, Khajaly is now witnessing a new chapter of hope and renewal. Following a decisive one-day Anti-Terror operation in 2023, Khajaly was liberated from 30 years of occupation. Today, it is welcoming its IDPs back home, as tireless restoration and reconstruction efforts continue.

One of the villages in this region, Ballija, has recently seen the return of its residents, former IDPS. As part of the ongoing restoration and reconstructions works, street lights will soon illuminate the village's streets, marking a significant step towards normalcy. This initiative is not limited to Khajaly alone; similar efforts are underway in all liberated areas. Hasanriz village in Agdara district is also set to receive new street lights, enhancing the living conditions for its returning residents.

According to information obtained by Azernews from the unified internet portal of state procurements, the "Restoration, Construction, and Management Service" public legal entity in the cities of Khankendi, Agdara, and Khajaly has completed the preparation work for these projects. The execution of these works has been entrusted to "Enerji ?n?aat" Limited Liability Company (LLC), which has signed a contract worth AZN 353,619.8 for the project. "Enerji ?n?aat" LLC, registered in 2022 with a charter capital of 100 manat, is represented by Musayev Abubekir Alimurat oglu.

Ballija village, located 10.6 km from the city center of Khajaly, is situated on the left bank of the Ballija River, at the foothills of the Garabagh range. The village, named after the river, was occupied by the Armenian army in 1992. It was liberated on September 19-20, 2023, as a result of local anti-terror operations. Similarly, Hasanriz village in Agdara district, located on the left bank of the Tartar River, was occupied by the Armenian Armed Forces in 1993 and was returned to Azerbaijan's control on September 20, 2023, following an anti-terror operation by the Azerbaijani Army.

The restoration efforts in Khajaly are deeply intertwined with the memory of the Khojaly Massacre, one of the darkest chapters in the region's history. On the night of February 25-26, 1992, Armenian armed forces, with the support of the 366th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the Soviet Union, launched a brutal attack on the town of Khojaly. The massacre resulted in the deaths of 613 Azerbaijani civilians, including 106 women, 63 children, and 70 elderly people. Hundreds more were wounded, and many were taken hostage or went missing.

The Khojaly Massacre is remembered for its sheer brutality and the suffering inflicted upon innocent civilians. Survivors recount harrowing tales of torture, rape, and the indiscriminate killing of men, women, and children. The massacre left an indelible mark on the collective memory of the Azerbaijani people and is a stark reminder of the atrocities committed during the conflict.

As Khajaly rises from the ashes, the memory of those who perished in the Khojaly Massacre serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of conflict and the enduring spirit of those who survived. The ongoing restoration efforts are not just about rebuilding infrastructure but also about healing the wounds of the past and honoring the memory of the victims.