Federal ministers pay tribute to the murdered youth in Tuzla

(Patria) - Federal Minister of Interior Ramo Isak, Minister of Labour and Social Policy Adnan Delić, Minister of Energy, Mining and Industry Vedran Lakić, and Minister for Veterans and Disabled Veterans of the Defence-Liberation War Nedžad Lokmić today, on behalf of the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, paid tribute to the murdered youth by reciting the Fatiha, observing a minute of silence, and laying flowers.

According to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Interior, on this day 29 years ago, members of the Army of Republika Srpska (VRS) committed a massacre in Tuzla against innocent civilians. In the area of the city known as Kapija, a shell killed 71 citizens of Tuzla and wounded 150. Only a few victims were over 30 years old, while the youngest victim, Sandro Kalesić, was two and a half years old.

"The commemorative event dedicated to the memory of the victims of the Kapija tragedy and to the memory of all civilian war victims began with the laying of wreaths and flowers for civilian victims at Slana Banja, and then at the site where Tuzla's youth perished, at Kapija. Traditionally, at 20:55, at the exact time of the tragic event, a siren will sound," the Ministry's statement said.

Minister Isak emphasised that we should remember every day the horrors suffered by citizens in all cities of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their murders should be a permanent reminder for younger generations, who must know the truth so that a similar tragedy never happens again. He stressed that it is our moral obligation to cherish the memory of prematurely ended youth and to teach our children not to hate, but to remember.

"Today we remember the innocent victims, mostly young people at Kapija in Tuzla, reminding ourselves of the painful price of hatred and killing. It is our duty to never forget the murdered civilians, who are our sons, daughters, friends, and fellow citizens. Remembering them obliges us to build a future based on peace, justice, and respect for human rights," said Minister Delić.

Minister Lakić stressed that on this day we remember the murdered youth at Kapija in Tuzla, paying tribute to their abruptly ended youth and lives.

"Kapija for us Tuzlaks is not just a place of tragedy; it is a symbol of our sorrow, but also of our strength and resilience. By remembering our young fellow citizens, we strengthen our determination to build a society based on peace, justice, and mutual respect, because Tuzla has always been a place of meeting and connection," emphasised Minister Lakić.

Minister Lokmić stressed that today we mark one of the significant dates, one of the most painful days in Tuzla's history.

"The Kapija massacre will be remembered as one of the greatest crimes against the civilian population during the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Let us cherish, remember, and never forget," said Minister Lokmić, as announced by the Federal Ministry of Interior.