Turkish Union of Chambers of Architects and Engineers (TMMOB), Human Rights Association (IHD) and Public Workers’ Union Confederation (KESK) issued a joint statement to draw attention to the forest fires that started with the rekindling of clashes. The statement was read in the meeting in the Chamber of Civil Engineers Mardin Chapter by Vahap Irmak.

“DELIBERATELY SET FIRES”

Irmak said; “Those responsible for the forest fires are the negligent, profiteering, colonialist and oppressive mindset and persons/bodies serving this mindset.”  Irmak said the forest fires in Kurdistan have been deliberately set, since the ‘90s in particular for “security” reasons. Irmak continued:

“Due to military operations, every year there are many fires in forest areas. Every year, thousands of hectares of forests are destroyed in forest fires that rage on for days. The region’s residents lose property and occasionally their lives, and the forest animals lose their most fundamental right to live. The peole are not allowed to put out the fires that break out, or are started.”

Irmak said the central government and local administrations should have completed their preparations to fight the fires: “Whatever discourse or excuses the responsible persons cite, we are calling on institutions with authority to act responsibly in terms of the fires starting/being started, and to actually defend the forests that have protected status in the constitution.”

“WE MUST PUT OUT THE FIRE IN OMERYAN”

Irmak said a fire broke out in the Omeryan region in Mardin’s Nusaybin district where clashes have continued since yesterday, and any attempts to fight the fire have been prevented. Irmak added that authorities must fulfill their duties so firefighting units can do their jobs. Irmak said the people and the firefighters cannot be stopped from exercising their constitutional right to put out the raging fire.