ŞIRNEX - Stating that the process initiated by Abdullah Öcalan has given them hope, the mothers of Roboskî said that mothers suffer the most in war, adding, "Mothers of soldiers, join hands with us. If we join hands, our pain will diminish.” 

 

Under the slogan "Peace and Democratic Society Meetings," the Democratic Regions Party (DBP), the Free Women's Movement (Tevgera Jinên Azad-TJA) and the Peoples' Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party are holding meetings where Abdullah Öcalan's assessments of the process are shared,  participants' opinions, criticisms and suggestions are also being taken into account. One of the places where the meetings are continuing intensively is Şirnex (Şırnak) and its districts. Roboskî families who participated in the meeting held in the village of Roboskî, which is affiliated with the district of Qileban (Uludere), spoke about the process.  

 

Sinem Encü (55), the mother of Aysel Encü (Berîtan Goyî), who lost her life in the 2015 DAESH attack on Kobanê, stated that they now want peace and tranquillity, saying, "We don't want any more bloodshed. Our hearts are broken, and we don't want any other mother's heart to be broken. No more police mothers or guerrilla mothers should cry." 

Sinem Encü expressed her desire for the process to be successful and emphasised that all political prisoners, especially Abdullah Öcalan, should be released. 

 

CALL TO MOTHERS OF SOLDIERS

 

Azime Alma (56), mother of Nadir Alma, who lost his life in the Roboskî massacre, said that despite everything, they always wanted peace. "Everyone knows the pain experienced in Roboskî. Our hearts have been burning for 14 years. Our hearts have been burning, but no one else's heart should burn from now on. The state must also take steps for an honourable peace. If the state wants peace, it will open the prison doors and release the ill prisoners," she said.  

 

Heybet Encü (48), mother of 13-year-old Muhammed Encü, who lost his life in the Roboskî massacre, also expressed her demands for peace. Emphasising that all mothers must fight hand in hand, Heybet Encü said: "We must all join hands and demand peace. Everyone must do their part for peace to happen. Peace comes before everything else.  We are very happy that this process has begun. Seeing new developments on television every day brings us joy. If there is peace, Turkey will become a more beautiful country. Our hearts are broken; let no one else’s heart be broken. Let the mothers of soldiers hold our hands. If we join hands, our pain will lessen. Mothers suffer the most in war. Let’s put an end to this pain.”

 

Leyla Encü (80), the mother of 19-year-old Şervan Encü, who lost his life in the Roboskî massacre, said: "Neither Turkish nor Kurdish mothers should cry. No mother of a soldier whose children were killed should say 'Thanks to the motherland' anymore. They should ask for peace. If the mothers of soldiers also want peace, this blood will stop. Why are young people dying? If there was peace, our children would be alive. We have forgotten the pain we experienced and buried it in our bosom. One of my sons is currently doing compulsory military service. If there is peace, everyone will live. We say peace, but some people still say 'massacre'. Why? The state should take steps for peace. Enough is enough now. If there is poverty today, it is because of the war. If peace comes, poverty will end."

 

'IT IS TIME TO SAY ENOUGH'

 

Halime Encü, (65),  who lost her 17-year-old son Serhat Encü in the Roboskî massacre, stated that they were waiting for justice for Roboskî and said: "No one will die if there is an honourable peace."

 

Stating that peace can only be achieved with the freedom of Abdullah Öcalan, Halime Encü said: "We want our identity and language. There have been massacres for how many years. It is time to say enough is enough. We only wanted and want this. Let's not say 'thanks to the homeland' anymore. Our homeland is our children. If our children go, the homeland also goes. Let's say peace instead."

 

MA / Emrullah Acar