MÛŞ – As the residents of Şorik village took over the vigil against the Geothermal Energy Power Plant (GPP) in Gimgim (Varto) on tis 46th day, GÖÇ-DER Co-chairs paid solidarity visit to the action. 

The vigil action launched by the Gimgim Ecology Platform Youth Assembly against the Geothermal Energy Power Plant (GPP) project planned by US-based IGNIS H2 Energy Production Inc. in the village of Xwarik in the Gimgim (Varto) district of Mûş (Muş) continues. 

 

On its 46th day, banners reading "Ev erd mirasa kal û bavan ê emanetê nifşên pêşe rojê ye. Em JES naxwazin (This land is the legacy of our ancestors and a trust for future generations. We do not want the GPP) were hung on the tents.

 

POLICY OF DEPOPULATION

 

On the 46th day of the vigil, the Mesopotamia Migration Monitoring and Research Association (GÖÇ-DER) came from Amed (Diyarbakır) and paid a solidarity visit to the vigil. Speaking at the visit, GÖÇ-DER Co-chair Medya Alkan stated that the resistance shown by the people of Gimgim is very valuable, and noted that policies of depopulation have been pursued in the region from the past to the present. “In the 90s, depopulation was carried out through the burning of villages, and now it is being carried out through ecological destruction,” she said. 

 

Emphasizing that ecological destruction is being carried out through energy projects, Co-chair Vecih Aydoğan said: There are alternative energy sources. But when energy sources are build where agricultural and living areas are located, people’s lives are also obstructed. The right to life is being blocked. The course of waters is being changed. Let our rivers and streams flow freely.”

 

Recalling that the drilling planned for 20 May did not take place thanks to the people’s resistance, Gimgim Ecology Platform member Çayan Dursun said they are confident they will win the struggle. 

 

The residents of Şorik village took over the vigil action in Xwarik village.