The Shengal Democratic Autonomous Assembly (MXDŞ), which held its 4th Congress on July 23, 2021, held its first meeting on Sunday with the participation of the new administration members and co-chairs of the regional assemblies. The meeting started with a moment of silence for all martyrs of Êzidxan [Yazidi land]. The board of managers report, which is prepared every other month, was read out during the meeting.

'THEY IMPOSED SLAVERY ON SHENGAL’S PEOPLE'

Speaking here, MXDŞ co-chair Merwan Bedel said, “There is a political and social crisis in Iraq. The government offers people solutions, but they are not accepted by the people since they no longer trust the current government.”

Bedel remarked on the activities of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Shengal and said, “The KDP ruled Shengal from 2003 to 2014 and used the Yazidis only for their own interests, which led to the Sîba Şêx Xidir and Til İzêr massacres. They left the Shengal people with no choice other than slavery. That is why the Yazidi people do not recognize the October 9 agreement. The KDP used Yazidis for 11 years and then handed them over to ISIS. That's why we do not recognize their rule.”

'WE DO NOT RECOGNIZE THE KDP'

Şêx Shemo, one of the elders of the Mala Zero tribe, delivered a speech at the meeting, stating, “10 people from each Yazidi house fell into the hands of ISIS because of the KDP. For this reason, we do not recognize the KDP's presence in Shengal. Even if 100 deputies like Miheme Xelîl come to Shengal, we will not allow them to enter.”

Dayê Kinê, a member of the Yazidi Women's Freedom Movement (TAJÊ), also pointed to the struggle in Shengal. Women's rights are violated all over the world. However, there is the women's struggle for freedom against this. As the women of Shengal, we are fighting for our homeland, our martyrs and our cause. We send our sincere greetings to the resistance fighters of the free mountains.”

The participants called for all Yazidi migrants to return to Shengal.