The Municipal Assembly of Istog held a solemn session on the occasion of the 26th anniversary of the liberation of the municipality from the Serbian occupier, with numerous activities planned throughout the day in the town. During the session, it was said that the liberation of the municipality was a triumph of the people for freedom and dignity.

The solemn session began with a minute of silence in honor of all those who fell for freedom.

The Mayor of Istog, Ilir Ferati, congratulated all the citizens of the municipality on this day and said that June 20, 1999, remains a moment of historic significance for the country’s freedom.

Ferati stated that the municipality now has a vision for development.

"It remains a point of reference for freedom and a moment of historic weight of sacrifice. We now have a clear vision; we are motivated because at the highest pedestal of our pride stand the martyrs who fell for freedom… It was understood that on that day hope triumphed over fear, the people's resistance prevailed, and a free Istog needed dedication and development to bring us to where we are today. Freedom is not the absence of war; freedom is justice, freedom is equality, freedom is education, it is opportunity and a call to give more—to not deprive ourselves of what was earned with great effort. Today, from those who fought in and out of uniform, from those who fell at their doorstep or on the military front, from the living who never surrendered, I congratulate you on the Day of Istog's Liberation,” he said.

The Chairperson of the Istog Municipal Assembly, Enver Rugova, said that June 20, 1999, marks the end of a dark and painful era for the people.

Rugova emphasized that the liberation of Istog was a triumph of the people's will for freedom and justice.

“This is a moment of reflection, gratitude, and commitment to preserve and develop the glorious legacy left to us by those who sacrificed everything for our freedom. June 20, 1999, marks the end of a dark and painful era for our people. After many years of suffering and persecution, Istog was liberated. This liberation was not only a military event but a triumph of the people's will for freedom, dignity, and justice,” he said.

Remarks were also delivered during the solemn session by representatives of the Democratic Party of Kosovo, the Vetëvendosje Movement, and the Alliance for the Future of Kosovo.

On the 26th anniversary of Istog’s liberation, tributes will be paid at the statue of President Ibrahim Rugova, the statue of Hero Selman Kadria will be unveiled, and a memorial to the martyrs will be inaugurated in Vrellë. On June 20, 1999, Istog was liberated from the Serbian occupier.