Following Abdullah Öcalan’s “Call for Peace and a Democratic Society” on 27 February, a significant process has been set in motion. After the PKK’s decision to “end its operations” at its 12th Congress held on May 5–7, a group of guerrillas held a ceremony to destroy their weapons on 19 June in Şikefta Casenê, Sulaymaniyah, in the Kurdistan Region, in response to Öcalan’s call.
A group of 30 guerrillas, 15 of them women, called the “Peace and Democratic Society Group“, burned their weapons during the event.
Kurdish politician Gültan Kışanak, who witnessed the historic event, spoke to ANF.
“A great responsibility comes with witnessing history”
Gültan Kışanak described the disarmament act as a moment where responsibility and hope for the future came together: “What I personally felt was mirrored by the entire group present. Everyone was deeply emotional — a mix of sorrow, hope, and a strong sense of responsibility for the future. It was truly a historic moment that will profoundly influence future developments.
Witnessing the arrival of the group and their determination was very powerful. I am certain this act will take its rightful place in history for centuries to come.
The emotional weight of the moment was also due to memories of the past — not only from the last 50 years, but also the collective trauma, resistance, massacres, losses, and heroism of the last 200 years in Kurdish history. It was like watching a film reel of that pain.
Being a witness to this moment imposes a huge responsibility. In the speech read by Besê Hozat on behalf of the Peace and Democratic Society Group, she said: ‘In your presence, we are burning our weapons.’ To witness is to take on responsibility.
What we saw was not just a declaration but a concrete action. The group didn’t just say they were committed, they acted on it. It was a moment where the past, present, and future merged.
11 July 2025, is a historic turning point. We have now entered a new phase, and we must be prepared to fulfill the responsibilities this entails.”
“No one can use weapons as an excuse anymore”
Reflecting on past peace processes, Kışanak said: “The closest example was the 2013–2015 process, and before that, the 2009 Oslo process — both of which I personally witnessed. When peace groups came through Habur in 2009, it was a trust-building step to show that disarmament was possible. But instead of supporting it, the state began arresting those who had come for peace. Judges told them: ‘Unless you express remorse, I won’t release you. If you say you came for peace, I’ll jail you.’ This contradicted the terms of negotiation.
Today’s act of burning weapons was a response to those past betrayals. Back then, those who came for peace were arrested. This time, the guerrillas burned their weapons and returned to the mountains instead — highlighting the stark difference between the two processes.
It’s now the responsibility of democratic politics to create the legal means for those who laid down their arms to return and participate in civilian life.
This is not a traditional peace model. In classical models, trust is built first, then negotiations, and only then disarmament. But Öcalan reversed this order, he started with disarmament to remove any excuse used to block progress.
Öcalan, taking full historical responsibility, made his call. The PKK responded decisively. This is more than a negotiation with the state. It’s a call for democratic transformation for all sides.”
“We must now talk about the causes of conflict”
Kışanak criticized how the state continues to criminalize Kurdish demands for peace and equality as “terrorism”: “There has long been a debate: is the PKK a cause or an effect? The state always said, ‘There is no Kurdish issue, only a PKK problem.’ This led to the criminalization of every Kurdish demand for rights and freedom.
The key goal of this disarmament step is to discard the ‘terrorist’ label unfairly imposed on Kurds. Now, no one can make that claim anymore. The truth is clear: the PKK is not a cause, but a result — a consequence of the denial of Kurdish identity, rights, and existence. As long as the root cause, the Kurdish question, remains unresolved, new problems will arise.
After the 11 July ceremony, Erdoğan listed historical injustices against Kurds, though he ignored violations under his own rule. This highlights the need to address and discuss the real causes.”
“Legal reforms must follow”
Looking ahead, Kışanak called for immediate action: “There is much to be done, but three urgent steps must happen now: first, legal and political guarantees must be established. Guerrillas have shown they are ready to disarm, but trust and legal protection are essential. Today, tens of thousands have been arrested or are in exile simply for attending protests, speaking Kurdish, or celebrating Newroz.
Second, legislation must legalize and integrate those who disarm into political life. Parliament must create a commission and push forward laws to make this possible. There is no excuse left, disarmament has happened.
Third, Kurdish rights must be guaranteed. The issue isn’t just weapons, it’s about democratic transformation. Barriers to the Kurdish language, culture, and political participation must be lifted. The appointment of government trustees (kayyum) instead of elected Kurdish officials is a severe attack on democracy and must end.
And most importantly, we must address the situation of Mr. Öcalan, who has taken on this historic responsibility. His current conditions are unacceptable — legally, morally, and ethically. Turkish law already allows for changes in his status, and international rulings, including by the European Court of Human Rights, must be respected.”
“Everyone should support this process”
In closing, Kışanak called for broad participation: “This is a democratic transformation process. We must all change, starting with ourselves. In his latest video, Mr. Öcalan emphasized self-critique. We must all ask: What have we done? What have we not done? What can we do better?
This process cannot be delayed. Everyone must become part of it, to support, discuss, understand, and carry out their historical responsibilities. We all need to take part in the peace and democratic society process that Mr. Öcalan has initiated.”