Artists from South Kurdistan criticized the KDP's attack on Shengal, and called upon everyone to stand with the people of Shengal. The artists said “We do not view the attack on Shengal as birakujî (civil war in Kurdish). This is a war of betrayal. Everyone, especially artists, should take a stance against this attack.”

Below are the statements the artists from South Kurdistan made to ANF:

"YET BEFORE THE WOUNDS HEALED"

İmad Hewlêri: I condemn the gangs' attack on Shengal. It is not a coincidence that 'Roj Peshmergas' carry out a new attack while the wounds of Shengal's people are yet to be healed. Shengal's society has experienced a lot of oppression and torture. All of the artists in South Kurdistan should take a stance against this attack. We must condemn the attack on Shengal and expose the truth with our art. All the artists in South Kurdistan should be more sensitive and condemn this attack. These gangs receive internal and external support. They are not peshmergas. Peshmergas have a holy name. They want to portray peshmergas as collaborators as they carry out attacks with the name of peshmergas. Shengal's society should not be subjected to attacks.

"I WANT TO SING SONGS OF FREEDOM"

Daha Tahir: As an artist, I say ‘enough!’ The unity of Kurds should be established and as an artist I want to sing songs of freedom. What is done in Shengal serves the interests of the enemy and destroys the Kurdish unity. The invaders want us to destroy one another. I call upon all Kurdish artists and teachers to raise their voices against these attacks. All artists should struggle for the unity of the Kurds.

"THERE IS NO EXPLANATION FOR THIS BUT BETRAYAL"

Kara Muhamed: Everyone should understand the developments well. There is no explanation for the attack on Shengal but betrayal. As the leading force of society, artists should tell everyone that this attack on Shengal is betrayal in all aspects. This is an attack on our future, values and the legacy of our martyrs. Therefore, artists and everyone else should take a clear stance against these attacks. Everybody should know that we have a history of resistance and struggle. For this reason, we should defend our honour and values.