Kumanovo, 28 April 2024 (MIA) - A mural honoring the memory of Boban Trajkovski, who tragically lost his life near the village of Vejce 23 years ago, was unveiled Sunday in Kumanovo. Trajkovski was one of the eight members of the Macedonian security forces who were killed on this day in 2001. Today’s event was organised by the association “SILA” and fellow members of the ‘Wolves’ army special unit.

“In 2001, an event occurred during the combat operations in defense of the state, where eight members of the security forces were killed, four from the army, including Boban Trajkovski from the special unit ‘Wolves.’ He took part in that operation and sacrificed his life for our Macedonia. Sadly, for 23 years, at least from what I know, absolutely nothing has been done for this individual in this regard. As his friend, neighbor, and former superior, given that I was also employed in 'Wolves' as a senior at the time, now retired, I took it upon myself, along with the 'Wolves' unit, to organize a solemn event to commemorate the incident. Because for 23 years, no one, neither at the central nor at the local level, has managed to do anything," Antonio Stankovski from the association "SILA" said.

The mural was crafted by artists from 'Forma,' fellow residents of Kumanovo, Trajkovski's hometown. The association hopes that the municipality will rename a street or another facility in honor of the fallen security force member who sacrificed his life for the country.

"This might just be the beginning. We don't have any streets, buildings, or public places in the city that should bear his name. Here, the municipality needs to make certain decisions where no one will get upset, because we are building a multi-ethnic community, but there is a way. We encountered no issues from the residents of the building, as we needed their approval. They, including both the shop owners and the tenants, didn't raise any objections. They said, 'Draw whatever you believe is in the interest of the state and in tribute to Boban Trajkovski,'” Stankovski said.

Family members, colleagues, members of the security forces, and residents of Kumanovo attended the event. Eight members of the special unit ‘Wolves’ and police officers from the special unit were ambushed and killed near Vejce on 28 April 2001. On that day, Robert Petkovski (27), Igor Kosteski (26), Mile Janevski (30), Boban Trajkovski (28), Marjan Bozhinovski (27), Ilche Stojanovski (24), Boshko Najdovski (25), and Kire Kostadinovski (24) were killed.

Photo: MIA