Qamishlo chants “Kurdish people are one”

Thousands of residents of Qamishlo, in al-Jazira Canton, took part in a large popular march on 1 February, the Global Day of Support for Rojava, in a show of solidarity and to strengthen the spirit of resistance.

The march was attended by representatives of civil society organizations and political parties, a delegation from the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), as well as a number of Kurdish artists.

The march began at Soni Roundabout and proceeded to Martyr Robar Roundabout in the western neighborhood of Qamishlo. Participants raised Kurdistan flags, portraits of martyrs who fell in the resistance of Rojava, and banners reading: “One, one, one, the Kurdish people are one,” “Northern and Eastern Kurdistan are one homeland,” and “Long Live the Resistance of Rojava.” Marchers moved to the rhythm of the song “Kîne Em,” while thousands collectively sent greetings to the Kurds of Southern and Northern Kurdistan and to the Kurdish people in the diaspora.

The march later turned into a mass rally. After observing a minute of silence in honor of the martyrs, the co-chair of the Democratic Society Movement, Rimziya Mohammed, delivered a speech. She described the march as a march of dignity and sent greetings to the peoples of Southern, Northern, and Eastern Kurdistan who stand alongside Rojava, as well as to Kurds in the diaspora. She said:

“This march is for the protection of the values of the Rojava Revolution and in support of our forces our forces of existence, the YPJ and YPG. We built this project with our own hands, and we will protect and defend it.”

Following her remarks, the co-chair of the Kurdistan National Congress (KNK), Ahmed Karamos, addressed the crowd, saluting the Kurdish people and the resistance of Rojava, as well as Sulaymaniyah, Hewler, Duhok, Amed, and Kurds everywhere. He said:

“Through your resistance, you have proven to the world that you have made the world stand on its feet. Today is the Global Day of Support for Rojava, and we in the Kurdistan National Congress are participating in this resistance in the name of all Kurds.”

He added:

“You have shown the world, through your support, that the unity of the Kurdish people exists. A great responsibility lies with the people and political parties to achieve this unity, because without Kurdish unity, Kurdish gains cannot be protected.”

Karamos continued:

“We are no longer the Kurds of fifty years ago. Today, we protect our culture, identity, and existence. We are capable of defending ourselves and protecting our people.”

He went on to say:

“Before you and before the souls of the martyrs, we call on all parts of Kurdistan that today is a day of unity. We also call on Masoud Barzani and Bafel Talabani: this stage has come through the initiative of Leader Ocalan, and we must remain together to consolidate our unity and freedom.

“Regardless of political differences, let us set them aside and work together to build our unity.

“To all global powers that today support ISIS/Daesh mercenaries, we say: you have committed a betrayal against the Kurds.”

“To all global powers that today support ISIS/Daesh mercenaries, we say: you have committed a betrayal against the Kurds.”

Kurdish artist Diyar Dersim also addressed the crowd, saluting the steadfast Kurdish people and saying:

“We bow in respect to your resistance. You have shown the entire world how peoples can protect their will. You have united the Kurds, and Rojava is the family of the martyrs. Enemy forces may possess tanks and artillery, but we possess our will. The attacks on Rojava are not random; the thought and philosophy of Leader Apo have taken root here, and they want to break the will of women. Therefore, we will protect ourselves everywhere in Rojava, every street is a trench of resistance.”

Artist Şemdin dedicated the song “Eva dinya pir mezin e” to the resistance of the Kurdish people, chanting with the demonstrators: “We were once leaders of nations, so why do we not have rights?”

Artist Luqman, who came to Rojava from Sulaymaniyah, welcomed the resistance of the people of Rojava, saying:

“Today, the people of the South stand tall in their struggle. The people take to the streets tirelessly for Rojava. We have always said that the sun rises from Rojava. We hope that Kurdish political parties will unite as the Kurdish people have united. The Kurdish people are one.”

The march concluded with chants of: “Long Live the Resistance of Rojava” and “Long Live the Resistance of Kobani.”

ANHA