Since 27 November 1978, the founding date of the PKK, the Kurdish people have waged an uninterrupted struggle. This 48-year resistance, marked by great heroes, has today become a source of hope for peoples all over the world. HPG and YJA Star guerrillas spoke to ANF on the occasion of the PKK’s 48th anniversary.

Zîlan Kobanê of YJA Star said they were following in the footsteps of thousands of comrades who paid the price in Kurdistan’s freedom struggle and that they were upholding the legacy of resistance they created. She said: “In the first years of the struggle there were Abdullah Öcalan, Haki Karer, Kemal Pir and Heval Sara. From the beginning of the struggle until today, great sacrifices have been made. The resistance of the Freedom Movement, grown through the great efforts of the people, the leadership and the martyrs, is now known worldwide.

With the call of the Leadership, we have now entered a new phase. What is asked of us is to organize on the basis of the Democratic Nation within the framework of the paradigm put forward by Leader Apo. This is the spirit of the times. We must build a free life and struggle for it. We must organize better and, within this framework, build a communal and equal life. Today, women have reached a level where they can take the lead militarily, ideologically and in life. As YJA Star guerrillas, we will fight to the end for a free life.”

Delîl Tey, a guerrilla from the Arab people, expressed his feelings about the anniversary as follows: “Firstly, happy anniversary of the PKK to Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan], the martyrs of the revolution and our people. This years-long struggle has been very difficult. It started with a small group and today has reached millions. In the past, the existence of Kurds was not recognized; now, thanks to Leader Apo, Kurds are recognized and are fighting for their freedom.

The PKK does not fight only for the Kurdish people, but for all peoples. It resists for the Arab people, for the Assyrian-Syriac people, and for the freedom of all peoples. We want to spread Leader Apo’s ideas in the Middle East so that societies can govern themselves freely. I joined the movement as a young Arab; I joined for the freedom of all peoples. I was influenced by the martyrdom of Heval Mahir and Heval Delîl. I want to realize their dreams. The PKK has been dissolved, but we will embrace the legacy it left and continue our struggle on this basis.”