Who were the most bloodthirsty butchers in the Horn of Kutch?

The question of who fired the first shot against the occupier during World War II in Slovenia has long been a subject of historical debate and contention among scholars and historians. The organization known as TIGR, which operated between 1927 and 1941, played a significant role in this narrative. TIGR was an illegal, anti-fascist, and revolutionary Yugoslav organization composed primarily of Slovenians and Croats living in the Julian March, a region then under Italian control. Its activities were marked by resistance against the fascist regime through sabotage, attacks on schools, kindergartens, monuments, and other symbols of Italian authority, as well as targeted assassinations of collaborators and informants.

Historian Luka Lisjak Gabrijelčič has recently revisited the topic, emphasizing the need for clarity regarding TIGR's actions and their significance in the broader context of resistance. According to TIGR’s clandestine publications, such as Svoboda, they openly criticized the Vatican, threatened "brothers" who were considered traitors, and carried out numerous executions of local collaborators and informants. These actions were justified as necessary measures against those deemed enemies of the nation. TIGR also explicitly identified certain individuals as "national traitors" and "garbage exiles," highlighting its uncompromising stance against collaboration with the occupying forces.

Despite these documented efforts, the narrative surrounding the first armed resistance in occupied Slovenia remains complex. Some accounts suggest that the initial armed conflict occurred in April 1941 when volunteers from Jesenice and a detachment of the royal army clashed with an Italian battalion "Val Toce." This encounter resulted in four Italian casualties and seven wounded, marking it as potentially the first human armed battle against the occupier. However, this incident did not align with the ideological preferences of some groups, particularly those favoring communist narratives over TIGR’s contributions.

Another pivotal moment came on the night of April 29, 1941, when a sabotage operation took place in Maribor, just three days after Adolf Hitler's visit to the area. This action, attributed to members of the SKOJ youth organization, targeted German occupation forces. Yet again, the focus shifted away from TIGR, as the organizers of this act were affiliated with communist groups rather than TIGR.

On May 13, 1941, a significant event unfolded near Mount Mali Gori, where a seven-member Italian carabinieri patrol encountered three unknown individuals—later identified as TIGR members—in a cabin along a forest path. During this confrontation, the leader of TIGR was killed, and one of the carabinieri, who had previously been labeled a collaborator by TIGR, received an Italian military commendation for bravery. This incident marked the first documented case of a Slovenian collaborator receiving recognition from the occupying force, further complicating the historical record.

The legacy of TIGR extends beyond its immediate actions. It operated in conjunction with Italian communists and the nationalist Yugoslav organization Orjuna, indicating a multifaceted approach to resistance. Despite its controversial methods, TIGR's impact on the early stages of the war cannot be overlooked, especially given the lack of comprehensive documentation about its activities compared to other resistance movements.

In contrast, the post-war period saw the emergence of another set of figures whose actions have sparked controversy. The Communist Revolution in Yugoslavia led to the rise of individuals known as "liquidators" or executioners, many of whom were responsible for the deaths of thousands of perceived enemies of the state. One notable example is Ante Čepić, a Croatian member of the Communist Party of Yugoslavia (KPJ) who allegedly killed 3,800 people. His exploits were celebrated during a vacation in Bled, where he received medals for his "achievements."

Similarly, Ljubo Periša, another Croatian member of the KPJ, was awarded a silver medal for killing 3,000 individuals. Ado Dragić, a member of the KPJ since 1943, received a bronze medal for 2,200 victims. These individuals, including Ivan Bokež and Milja (real name Milka Planinc), were recognized for their roles in eliminating political opponents, often through brutal means. Their celebrations in Bled, described as a chaotic and uncontrolled revelry, highlighted the darker aspects of the post-war period.

These contrasting narratives underscore the complexity of resistance and repression during and after World War II in Slovenia and Croatia. While TIGR represented an early form of organized resistance against fascism, the subsequent communist regime introduced new forms of violence and suppression that left lasting scars on society. Understanding these dynamics requires a nuanced examination of both the anti-fascist struggle and the atrocities committed by those who claimed to be liberators.