Inspectors Launch Inquiry on Newroz Incidents

Interior Ministry inspectors resume investigation on the strife between military and security officials and pro-Kurdish Democratic Society Party (DTP) deputies in the southeast province of Siirt, during Newroz celebrations on March 21.

On March 21 Siirt Security Director Cuma Ali Aydin had banned the Democratic Society Party (DTP) organize Newroz celebrations in the city. Aydin had further refused to shake hands with DTP Diyarbakir MPs Aysel Tugluk and Akin Birdal and Siirt MP Osman Ozcelik who were visiting Siirt on the day.

Chief inspectors Ozcan Bademci and Halim Citir, seeking evidence related with the incidents, are reported to make a written request to local media members to handover copies of any photos and other visual material they had taken during Newroz.

Unusual visits

Meanwhile some military commanders, who were heading troops deployed to the city on March 21, are reported to pay exceptional visits to Siirt security director as well as to the city governor. Army commanders visits to security directors is not customary. 

The same day Siirt Security Director Cuma Ali Aydin is reported to have other unusual guests such as relatives of the soldiers who lost their lives in the battles against PKK guerrillas as well as representatives of some local organizations all of whom expressed gratefulness for the director's behaviour.

Earlier on april 4, Commander of the 2nd  Army, General Hasan Igsiz is alsoreported to visit Governor Necati Senturk. “Our support is always with you. Never forget this,” generak Igsiz is reported to say as he left the city hall.

Governor Senturk is presently in Ankara in connection with the Newroz investigation. (CK/TK)