The extensive operation of Turkish troops in the rural areas surrounding Pülümür valley continues intensely.

'Selcan Çiçek and Dr. Baran Cemetery', which houses graves of fallen PKK militants and victims of Dersim massacre perpetrated by state forces in 1938, was shelled by the Turkish army with helicopters and tanks. The human shields in the area on the other hand were hindered by soldiers from going to the operation area.

The extensive operation by Turkish troops continues in the rural areas of Pülümür Valley since it was started after the closure of Dersim-Pülümür road by an order from Dersim Governorate three days ago. The army has deployed additional troops and airdropped more soldiers in the area.

While the operation intensifies mainly in the triangular area between Hakis (Büyükyurt), Dokuzkaya (Malka Sor) and Alacık (Zage), Cobra type helicopters shelled 'Selcan Çiçek and Dr. Baran Cemetery' which houses graves of PKK militants and victims of the Dersim massacre perpetrated by state forces in 1938. After shelling the cemetery, Turkish soldiers also blew up the Cemevi (Alevi place of worship) in the graveyard with explosives. The graves in the cemetery were also destroyed by bombardments launched from tanks.

COMMUNICATION CUT WITH THE PEOPLE IN THE REGION

While transportation in the region has been banned by Turkish forces amid frequent sounds of explosions, communication with the people in the villages of Nazmiye and Pülümür districts has been completely cut. It is reported that electricity transmission towers in the area were damaged under intense bombardments and power has been cut in the district centre and the villages. The electricity shortage has also rendered the pumps providing water for villages ineffective.

While bombardments by Turkish troops continue since yesterday evening, intense reconnaissance flights have also been taking place over the region.

In the meantime, soldiers shelled the operation area once again this morning as clashes continue between Turkish troops and HPG guerrillas that respond to the attacks.

HUMAN SHIELDS PREVENTED BY SOLDIERS

In another development, around a hundred people who include HDP Dersim deputy Edibe Şahin, representatives of NGOs as well as Gürsel Özbey, father of sergeant Semih Özbey who was detained by PKK guerrillas on September 18, gathered at the city centre to act as human shields and started to march towards the operation area in Pülümür Valley.

The human shields whom soldiers didn't allow access to the operation area started a sit-in action at Tülük crossroad on Pülümür road.