Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – October 16, 1988

We were supposed to have a meeting with the army at Bakhtran Airport and then go to Ilam by helicopter. There was a lot of thunder and hail last night. Today it is rainy and the helicopters cannot fly. We had to cancel our plans in the West and drove to Ilam by car. it is raining

On the Islamabad road, there are still remains of the burnt cars of the munafeeen, which were destroyed in the Mursad operation. Mr. [Ali Karam] Mohammadian was the representative of Ilam in my car and gave the necessary explanations. In the city of Ivan Gharb, where people stopped the car in front of the street, I got off and greeted the people. The guards were worried. Near the city of Ilam, [Hujjat al-Islam Mohammadi] Imam Juma and the governor had come to welcome him. We arrived at the governorate around eleven o'clock. An official reception was held. I participated in the administrative council. I heard the governor's [Mr. Hosni] report including the needs, talents, privileges and sacrifices of the province. I spoke for them. I rested after lunch and then noon and evening prayers were offered.

We went to the stadium. A huge crowd had gathered. They expressed passionate feelings. The representatives of the province welcomed. I also spoke in detail. I returned to Moqram at the governor's office. On the way, I visited the ruins of Iraqi bombings. The breakdowns are too many; It is said that 30% of the city is destroyed and people are rebuilding quickly and the government is helping and giving loans and materials. The people are very warm and kind, and they are all loyal Shiites.

The families of the martyrs came. I spoke for them and the veterans and awarded the children of the martyrs who sang in the ceremony, each of them was given a radio and I greeted everyone. Mr. Soltani, the head of the Shahid Foundation, explained the needs.

Mr. Seyed Jafar, an Iraqi refugee - who is an interesting man - came and said that he had 6,000 hectares of land in Iraq and was helping the Shiites of Iran and Iraq, but he came to Iran because of his opposition to the dictatorship and the blasphemy of the Iraqi Baath; He is an old man. He is worried about the dispute between Mr. Mohammadi, Imam of Juma Ilam, and Mr. Marvarid, the representative of the experts, and advised me to resolve the dispute. I talked to both of them separately. Mr. Marwarid is willing to compromise, but Mr. Mohammadi is not willing.

The army commanders came. I gave a speech to them. I had Maghrib and Isha prayers and then a meeting with the governors of the province. They all talked and told the needs and problems. The problem is too much; Eight years of war has put a lot of pressure on the people. I came to my room to rest at ten o'clock.