Forty years ago, on 15 August 1984, the Kurdistan Liberation Movement began its armed struggle against Turkish policies of assimilation and repression, marking a major turning point in the Kurdish freedom movement. Marking the 40th anniversary, the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) extended its sincere congratulations to the people of Kurdistan and all those who support the Kurdish cause.
In its statement, the KNK, recalling the severe political environment in Kurdistan under the rule of the fascist junta, said:
“Following the coup d’état of 12 September 1980, the Kurdish people faced ruthless cruelty and severe torture, leading to widespread devastation and a pervasive fear of arrest and death throughout society. Under these harsh conditions, the Kurdish people and the leaders of the Kurdistan Freedom Movement did not succumb to the Turkish state’s oppression. They stood firm, organising a selfless struggle that permeated all aspects of life, from prisons to daily existence. Although great sacrifices were made, the flag of freedom was defiantly raised against state oppression.”
The KNK emphasised the challenging atmosphere that existed when the resistance began on 15 August 1984. The first shot on this day marked a ‘renewed call for Kurdish freedom’, they said. The struggle, led by Commander Egîd (Mahsum Korkmaz) in Eruh (Dih) and Şemdinli (Şemzînan), rapidly spread across Kurdistan and the Middle East, evolving into a formidable guerrilla force and a critical moment in the Kurdish fight for liberation.
Continuing its statement, the KNK addressed the ongoing struggle and war imposed by the Turkish government on Kurdistan and its people. They highlighted the Turkish state’s use of all available weapons, including chemical bombs and poisons, to annihilate life. They added that this brutal campaign targets not only human life but also severely degrades Kurdistan’s natural environment. “From Dersim to Colemêrg, from Qers to Maraş, no mountain, valley, or cave has been spared from bombardment,” they said.
While commemorating the 40th anniversary of the armed struggle, the KNK reaffirmed its deep conviction over the eventual victory of the Kurdish cause. They highlighted the pivotal role of Abdullah Öcalan in the events of 15 August and drew attention to his ongoing isolation in İmralı prison. The Congress urged support for the international campaign “Freedom for Öcalan, A Political Solution For Kurdistan” and called on all peoples of Kurdistan and supporters of the Kurdish cause to actively participate in and strengthen this campaign.
