Yüksekova Bids Farewell to Its Third Loss

* Photo credit: Yüksekova Haber.

Thousands in Yüksekova district bid farewell to Bemal Tokçu, a protestor who died on December 7 due to police fire. 

Tokçu was shot by police fire during a protest after the funerals of Mehmet Reşit İşbilir and Veysel İşbilir. He died yesterday at Yüzüncü Yıl Dursun Odabaşı Medical Center in Van province. 

Tokçu’s funeral has been received by his relatives yesterday and transferred to Merkez Mosque in Eski Kışla neighborhood of Yüksekova district. However, the funeral ceremony could not be held yesterday due to a snow storm. 

According to Yüksekova Haber, following the religious procedures at the mosque, thousands of people escorted the funeral to a cemetery in Orman neighborhood. Among the notable attendees of the funeral included Yüksekova mayor Ercan Bora, Peace and Democracy Party Yüksekova Chair Nail Durmaz, Esendere County mayor Hurşit Altekin and representatives from various NGOs. 

Durmaz addressed to the funeral crowd, saying that Reşit İşbilir, Veysel İşbilir and Bemal Tokçu took the streets in order to protest the demolition of PKK member graves. “My condolences to all Kurdish people. Further condolences will be received in Adaklı (Alekana) village. There will also be a ceremony at Musa Anter Park tomorrow. 

Another intervention after funeral 

Following the funeral ceremony, a group started to cheer slogans and march towards the city center. Police broke up the group with tear gas and water cannons.

Tensions resumed to rise from time to time as protestors took the side streets. (AS/BM)