With the Shengal agreement signed between the Iraqi Central Government and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) on October 9, 2020, the pressure and attacks on Shengal increased. First, the central government and the KDP asked the Êzîdxan Security Forces to be removed from Shengal within 24 hours, but the decision was suspended when thousands of Êzidîs who rebelled under the leadership of the Shengal Democratic Autonomous Assembly (MXDŞ) opposed it. A deadline was given until April 1 to remove the security forces. The Êzidî people are determined to resist all threats, oppression and attacks against their lands.

 

Kurdistan National Congress (KNK) Co-chair Zeynep Murad made evaluations to the Mesopotamia Agency (MA) on the latest developments.

 

A SHENGAL WITHOUT THE ÊZIDÎS

 

Drawing attention to the Shengal agreement signed between Baghdad and Hewlêr on October 9, 2020, Murad said, "Everyone knows very well that this contract was signed without consulting the Êzidîs against their  will. This contract plays with the fate of the Êzidîs. Those who left Shengal to ISIS and flee and caused a genocide wants to enter Shengal again. Games are being played regardless of what the Êzidîs want for themselves. This contract was actually signed in line with political interests. It approved in line with demand and plans of Turkey. In fact, this contract is also aimed at removing the Êzidîs from Shengal by legal means. They want to establish a Shengal without the Êzidîs. But we all know very well that the Êzidîs are not the old Êzidîs. After this last genocide, the Êzidîs rebelled and established their own forces. Today, the Êzidî youth protect themselves and their society."

 

PREPERATION FOR ATTACK

 

Stating that there is a preperation to change the demography of Shengal, Murad said: "The fact is that these preperations are for the ISIS to settle back in the Shengal. These preperations also aim to pacify the Ezîdxan Public Security Forces. How can we trust those who left the Shengali to their fate and flee? This is dangerous. And the Êzidîs are determined not to surrender their will. We will protect out children, our people and our lands. But as far as we observe, foreign forces deployed 2.500 soldiers at the Shengal Rojava border and they are preparing for an attack. They gave time for the Public Security Forces to withdraw.  Currently, all efforts are to demonstrate these plans practically in Bashur. Preparations are being made to change Shengal's demography. This poses a great threat. It is just like what Turkey did in Efrin to change the demography. Now they are doing it to Shengal."

 

Stating that the Kurds needs to be a shield against this plan, Murad said: "What is needed now is to show an organizational attitude and organize the reaction and the anger. Not just for Shengal but for the whole Kurdistan. This plan is not limited with Shengal alone. It is our national responsibility to defend Shengal. Let's not be fooled by games and make sure the Êzidîs rule Shengal alone."

 

MA / Zeynep Durgut