Nikolic: The situation in the north reflects on the south, people are confused and scared

The situation unfolding in the north is also affecting the south, and the people are confused and extremely fearful as they are concerned that actions may become even more radical, Ivan Nikolic from the non-governmental organization "Communication for Society Development" in Gracanica said for Kosovo Online.

Nikolic, in response to yesterday's dramatic events in Banjska, during which four people lost their lives, points out that Serbs in Kosovo have been living in fear for 25 years, but no one expected that killings would occur again.

"It's simply unbelievable that in the 21st century, after so many years since the conflict, such things are happening again. But what's most unfortunate is the fact that absolutely no one understands what actually happened. Statements from high officials are extremely different and further confuse the people who are already frightened by these unfortunate events. I'm speaking for people in central Kosovo from the Serbian community, they are afraid that this could also have repercussions on this side as well," Nikolic said.

The recent developments in Kosovo have only exacerbated the situation, according to Nikolic.

"The people are extremely fearful, even before this incident, due to the frequent arrests, whether they were justified or unjustified, from our perspective, they were highly unjustified. People were already very scared, and it is believed that actions may become even more radical. Within closed and private circles, there is talk of staying at home and preserving patience and sanity because it is inevitable that this situation could be used against us in a very negative way," Nikolic emphasized.

He adds that any negative situation in the north reflects on the south.

"The south has in a way been integrated for a long time, and in a way, we have long come to terms with certain facts. However, whatever happens in the north is reflected through security-related events, provocations, and significantly colder communication with Albanian neighbors; these are essentially the milder aspects, and very often there are more serious consequences," Nikolic concluded.