THE SUFFERING OF THE PEOPLE OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF SIPOVO IN THE USTASHA OFFENSIVE, 3rd-10th SEPTEMBER, 1941

Abstract

In its introductory part, the paper presents the basic characteristics of the municipality of Sipovo from the pre-war and wartime administrative division. In particular, the basic data on the pre-war situation and the establishment of the occupying power in Jajce as the center of the Great Parish of Pliva and Rama of that time, and then Sipovo, to which the areas of Janj and Pljeva administratively belonged, are presented. The conditions in which the self-organized and organized uprising in Janja and Pljeva took place are described. It was based on demonstrated self-initiative, while an important role was played by party cells and prominent individuals who placed themselves at the head of the insurgent groups and units. In response to the uprising, an Ustasha offensive followed - an offensive operation on Janja and Pljeva. In its initial layout, it had a circular base, with the characteristics of an attack and fire artillery-aviation support and operations in the depth of the free territory of that time. In parallel, the basic characteristics of the defense of the insurgent units are also presented. In a separate part of the paper, we have listed the characteristic examples of mass crimes against the martyrs from Janj and Pljevlja  – innocent people: the elderly and the weak, women and children. Special attention is paid to the role of women – heroines of both war and peace. Their sacrifices and care for family, children, sick people, the wounded and fighters in general are highlighted.