A member of the Civilian Defence Forces (HPC), Mihemed Emin, has been defending his land for 6 years despite his physical disability. “I overcame my obstacle and today I can protect my land. Defence is everyone's duty,” he says.
Mihemed Emin from Qamishlo suffers from polydactyly, a condition in which an extra finger or toe is present on the hand or foot. He has been defending his land under the roof of the Self-Defence Forces for 6 years despite his physical disability. Emin spoke to ANF about his life, how he deals with his disability and why he joined self-defence.
Emin stated that he got to know the concept of struggle with the Kurdish Freedom Movement, saying, “We got to know the concept of struggle when PKK members distributed leaflets in Rojava in the 1990s. That's when we learned the meaning and importance of struggle. The PKK revolution taught us many things. We can fight today thanks to the PKK.”
DEFENSE IS THE ESSENCE OF LIFE
Mihemed Emin explained the reason for his participation in HPC’s activities; “We were in Damascus when the Rojava Revolution started. As soon as we heard it, we returned to our own land. With the start of the revolution, we wanted to defend our lands. We learned and practiced many things. During the Baath regime, we worked only to survive. This is over. Now we protect our family, land and city.”
“Defence is the essence of life. Everyone should protect himself-herself. Everyone has a duty of defence,” he noted.
LABOR, VOLUNTEERRING, SELF-DEVOTION
“Self-defense is related to the human essence. It cannot be done without being honest, combative and courageous. It is voluntary work. There are hardships, but it is not impossible. One needs to take pains with it,” Emin said.
Emîn remarked that his physical condition had never become a problem. “I did everything, I held on to life. You can do anything if you want. I wanted it and I did it. Today I can use a gun and protect my family and land.”
“I WILL PASS THIS STRUGGLE ON EVERYONE”
Emin pointed out that everyone in his family trains themselves in self-defence. “My children also defend themselves and their Kurdish identity. They can study in their native language. These are very important things. The revolutionary gains make us stronger. I talk to my family and neighbours about self-defence and its importance. I will pass on this struggle, which gives me strength, to everyone as much as I can.”
‘NO FORCE CAN OPPOSE US IF WE ADOPT SELF-DEFENCE’
“Self-defence is not only the duty of SDF/YPG/YPJ fighters. We are at least as responsible for protecting our lands as they are. If everyone first protects his/her own house, then his/her neighbours and neighbourhood, no force can oppose us. There are no obstacles to defending our lands. Everyone should participate in self-defence activities of the HPC and protect our land,” he concluded.
