AGIRÎ - In the Newroz celebration attended by thousands of people in Agirî, reaction was shown against the massacre of a family in Kobani. They also called on the governmen and said, "This process cannot be carried out unilaterally, take steps".

 

Newroz celebrations were held in the centre of Agirî (Ağrı) under the slogans "Rêbertiya Azad Civaka Demokratîk (Free Leader, Democratic Society)" and "Democratic Society for Freedom". Thousands of people participated in the celebrations. Citizens flocked to Saman Bazaar where the celebration was held in the early hours of the morning in national clothes. While the density of young people and women attracted attention, the call of Kurdish People's Leader Abdullah Öcalan was greeted. The slogan "Bijî Serok Apo (Long live Leader Apo)" was frequently chanted. 

 

Democratic Regions Party (DBP) member Muazzez Orhan said that Newroz is the harbinger of resistance against oppression for the Kurdish people and that women took the biggest lead in the resistance. Pointing to Abdullah Öcalan's call, Muazzez Orhan said, "Today, those who are trying to destroy the Kurdish people through denial and destruction have again knocked on the doors of İmralı for a solution. Again they knocked on the door of Mr Öcalan. Although weeks have passed since the call, the government has not taken any concrete steps. This process cannot be carried out unilaterally, steps must be taken to stop tears. Improve the conditions of Mr Öcalan."

 

REACTION TO KOBANI ATTACK

 

People's Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party Agirî MP Sırrı Sakık reminded the agreement signed between the interim government in Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and emphasised the need for a partnership in Turkey for the future of the country. 

 

Sırrı Sakık added, "Mr Öcalan made a call from İmralı on 27 February. Our people are tired of blood and violence and want a new path. As the Kurdish people, we will open a new path, we will find a new way. Mr Öcalan says this and we are with him. On the other hand, people are being bombed with drones. This must not happen in peace processed. This is against the spirit of peace. What do you want from Rojava? Let them determine their own destiny."

 

'MR ÖCALAN MUST BE FREE'

 

Emphasising that all segments must shoulder responsibility, Sakık said, "Mr Öcalan is presenting a manifesto in this process. Therefore, the government must act in accordance with the spirit of this process both locally and in general. You have to end the isolation on Mr Öcalan. Immediately release the ill prisoners in prison, prepare for a general amnesty, remove the mortgage you have placed on the Kurds' language and identity for years. If you do these things, Kurds will believe in this process. In this negotiation period, everyone must contribute to the process. Mr Öcalan has never turned around and said 'set me free', but we say he must be free."

 

After the speeches, the Newroz fire was lit. The crowd chanted "Bijî Serok Apo" slogans around the fire. The celebration ended with the performance of artist Jehrmar.