MEDİNE MAMEDOĞLU

 Amed- The “Great Freedom March” demanding the physical freedom of Kurdish leader Abdullah Öcalan and a democratic resolution to the Kurdish question continues. The march was started in two cities, Van and Kars on February 1 and it will end in Riha (Urfa) on February 15, the anniversary of the international conspiracy against Abdullah Öcalan.

The marchers are welcomed with great interest wherever they go and stay at people’s homes at nights as guests. The women participating in the march from Kars say they will struggle until freedom is achieved.

People’s Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) Istanbul MP Kezban Konukçu and Democratic Regions Party (DBP) Central Executive Board member Narin Gezgör are two women participating in the march from Kars. NuJINHA spoke to them about the march.

‘This march will continue until freedom is achieved’

“This march has been held for the freedom of Mr. Abdullah Öcalan. His freedom is a serious step for resolution to the Kurdish question. One of the biggest problems in our country is the Kurdish question and we started this march to demand a democratic resolution to the Kurdish question. This march demands freedom for everyone living in this country. We know very well that equality cannot be achieved without freedom. The march has attracted great attention from people. Despite the persistence of oppression, the people never leave us alone; they always stand with us. This march will continue until freedom is achieved,” said Kezban Konukçu.

Kezban Konukçu indicated that Kurdish people demand the lift of the isolation imposed on Abdullah Öcalan. “Kurdish people are organized people and they are aware of everything. They know that the lift of isolation will pave the way for freedom and peace. Wherever we go, people welcome us and voice their demands. After this march ends, we will keep struggling.”

‘We have a strong communication with people’

Emphasizing that they have a strong communication with people throughout the march, Narin Gezgör said, “People also demand a democratic resolution to the Kurdish question. This march boosts people's morale. We realized that people had expected such a march for a long time and this gives us strength. We have been marching for days and wherever we go, people welcome us. Their first demand is the lifting of the isolation imposed on Mr. Abdullah Öcalan. The communication with people shows us what we should do and how we should keep struggling in the future.”