Abdullah Ocalan, the Kurdish militant leader, has urged the PKK to disarm and dissolve, aiming to end a 40-year conflict with Turkey. Speaking from prison, Ocalan called for peace, receiving support from Turkish political figures. His historical influence remains significant, despite being imprisoned since 1999 following his capture.
Abdullah Ocalan, a prominent Kurdish militant leader, has spent 25 years in prison after spearheading the PKK’s armed struggle against Turkey for Kurdish autonomy. As of February 27, 2025, he has called for peace, urging the PKK to disarm and dissolve, a significant step that could end a 40-year insurgency. Ocalan’s appeal, originating from his imprisonment on Imrali Island, comes after encouragement from Turkish political figures, emphasizing a cultural shift towards reconciliation.
Ocalan, revered in Kurdish circles yet reviled in many Turkish communities, initiated the conflict in 1984. His recent message heralds a potential cessation of violence, consistent with positions taken by both President Erdogan and the pro-Kurdish opposition. Ocalan’s statements underscore his historical accountability for the conflict, stating, “I am making a call for the laying down of arms, and I take on the historical responsibility for this call.”
Historically, Ocalan’s influence peaked during the 2013-2015 peace process, where he garnered support from the Turkish government to negotiate with the PKK. However, the revival of dialogue faded, resulting in intensified violence across southeastern Turkey. Currently, the PKK remains active chiefly in northern Iraq, complicating efforts toward lasting peace in the region.
Born to a peasant family, Ocalan founded the PKK in 1978, influenced by the political turmoil of the 1970s. After fleeing multiple countries due to international pressure, he was caught in 1999. Initially sentenced to death, his sentence was later converted to life imprisonment, and he has remained an influential figure in Kurdish politics despite his incarceration.
Abdullah Ocalan’s recent call for the PKK to lay down arms could signal a historic shift in the long-standing conflict between the Kurdish group and Turkey. His continued influence, even from prison, highlights the complexities of Kurdish politics and the challenges in achieving peace. The support from Turkey’s political leaders could foster a new phase in the negotiations to end violence that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
