Marking the 27th anniversary of Podujeva Liberation Day, former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) soldiers have recalled the wartime journey, the entry of liberation forces into the city, and the sacrifice of martyrs for Kosovo’s freedom.
Former KLA soldier Rafet Llapashtica said the Llap Operational Zone played an important role in entering Prishtina and Podujeva.
“The Llap Operational Zone mainly entered two cities that were its focus, the capital – on June 11, the Guard battalion led by the commander of the fifth Guard battalion, Ajet Potera, we were accompanying the zone commander Rrustem Mustafa, and we entered the capital on June 11. As for Podujeva, on June 19, the 152nd Brigade ‘Shaban Shala’ entered, led by commander Arif Muçolli, who was then the brigade commander. It is true that today Podujeva looks completely different. At that time there were far fewer citizens, because many had been displaced by the occupier, and others were mainly concentrated in the village of Shajkoc, which was also under siege. However, today we see Kosovo, and Podujeva in particular, differently, with many citizens living freely, and freedom has brought its values,” Llapashtica said.
Speaking about the war and cooperation with international allies, Llapashtica said that the justness of the KLA’s cause was the reason NATO supported the people of Kosovo.
Llapashtica also recalled the withdrawal of Serbian forces from Podujeva and Kosovo, stressing that KLA fighters and NATO closely monitored the process following the Kumanovo Agreement.
Veteran and activist Vehbi Balaj also recalled the day of entering Podujeva after liberation.
Describing the moment Serbian forces withdrew, he said liberation came sooner than soldiers in the field had expected.
In the end, Balaj said he feels proud of his contribution during the war and in the efforts for Kosovo’s liberation.
Podujeva Liberation Day was marked with commemorative homages, memorial activities, and cultural events in honour of martyrs, veterans, and all those who contributed to Kosovo’s freedom.
