The Kurdish National Council issued a statement strongly condemning the campaign of arrests and intimidation by the PYD militia in areas under its control. The council emphasized that these actions aim to hinder Kurdish folklore groups’ artistic and cultural activities, designed to preserve Kurdish heritage.
According to the statement, Majdal Dahham Haj Qasim, leader of the Khonaf folklore group in Amuda, was kidnapped during his return to Karnkou village. Additionally, Saad Kawa Kunersh (18 years old) and Saleh Jamil Bakari (17 years old), members of the Khunaf band, were abducted while returning from school.
The statement highlighted previous abductions, including theater actor Nasser Ghaleb Jaro on April 21, and four council members over two months ago, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Amid ongoing restrictions on living and political life in PYD-held areas, residents face economic hardships, extortion, and soaring fuel prices, leading to increased living costs and challenges for the region’s inhabitants.
The Council demanded the immediate release of Khanaf Folklore Band members and all Council-affiliated detainees. It urged human rights organizations, humanitarian agencies, and anti-ISIS coalition countries, particularly the United States, to exert pressure on the PYD militia to cease violations and respect the region’s residents.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
