Residents of Banjska: The change of life in the north began even before the conflict; the monastery should not be closed

The Raska-Prizren Eparchy announced that the Banjska Monastery would be closed to visitors from September 23 to 26 for security reasons and to maintain peace, "which the monastery desperately needs at this time," in relation to the anniversary of the events in the village of the same name in the Zvecan municipality, when a conflict occurred between the Kosovo Police and a group of Serbs. The residents we spoke to are divided in their opinions – some see this decision as a preventive measure against provocations, while others disagree with it.

Deserted streets have dominated the village of Banjska since last year. The residents we encountered, mostly in the yards of their homes, were unwilling to appear on camera and comment on how much their lives have changed since those tragic events. They told us they didn't want to give statements because they feared for their safety and the safety of their children. Nevertheless, most of them said they are still recovering from the armed conflict that began that Sunday after midnight and that nothing has been the same since.

One of the older residents, who did agree to speak on camera, expressed confusion about why the monastery is being closed.

“I don’t understand why these three days, since there is a holiday coming. There is no need for this, why? We are used to it. At 8 AM, there is liturgy, and after that, it closes. Nothing unusual for us. Besides, the locals hardly even go there. Some people come from outside. Only during bigger holidays does it close. It operates as needed, but otherwise, it should be open all day. We used to serve ourselves. I would take a candle, pay for it myself, take an icon, pay for it. No problem, there is no need for it to work,” he said.

However, citizens of North Mitrovica mostly disagree with this decision and believe the monastery should remain open.

“That should absolutely not be done. What monastery and holy site gets closed? Who ordered this? It is a disgrace,” an elderly man said.

Another older gentleman agreed.

“No normal person would do that. I don’t know why. I have no clue; I can’t understand it. What is the reason? Is there going to be bombing, should we flee? What are they thinking? Who made that decision? I don’t get it… It is beyond me,” he said.

One passerby pointed out that believers have the right to visit churches.

“Our stance is that it shouldn’t be closed because they are trying to suppress our religion, first and foremost. We are Christians, and it is our right to visit churches, monasteries, and all of that. They are trying to take that away from us. So, I disagree with that decision,” the young man said.

However, some citizens view the closure as a preventive measure by the Eparchy to avoid potential provocations and believe that such actions are understandable.

“Life in the north started changing even before Banjska. Banjska just accelerated the negative changes in northern Kosovo. As for the Raska-Prizren Eparchy closing the monastery for these three days, it can be seen as a preventive measure. This way, no one, from any side, can attempt a provocation. We know there are many influences here, trying to portray the Serbian Orthodox Church in a different light, as something it is not. I think these actions are understandable. It is better to prevent something than to have to justify the consequences that might occur later,” another resident said.

On September 25 last year, in the village of Banjska, an armed conflict occurred between the Kosovo Police and a group of Serbs, resulting in the deaths of three Serbs and one Kosovo police officer. The police then arrested three more men, who remain in custody, and issued arrest warrants for another 42 individuals suspected of participating in the incident.