PKK announces end to armed struggle, decades-long conflict with Turkey

IANS May 12, 2025 298 views

The Kurdistan Workers Party has made a groundbreaking announcement to end its armed struggle against Turkey. This decision follows a direct call from imprisoned leader Abdullah Ocalan in February. The group's 12th Congress, held under challenging conditions, voted to dissolve its organizational structure and cease armed resistance. This move could potentially mark a significant turning point in the long-standing conflict between the PKK and Turkish government.

"Our congress discussed Leadership, Martyrs, Veterans... marking the beginning of a new era" - PKK Congress Statement
Ankara, May 12: : The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) has announced its decision to disband and disarm, ending the four-decade long conflict with Turkey, local media reported on Monday.

Key Points

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PKK decides to dissolve organizational structure

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Abdullah Ocalan initiated disarmament process

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232 delegates participated in congress

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Potential breakthrough in Turkey-Kurdish conflict

The decision came after PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, in February urged the group to meet and formally decide to disband. The leader has been imprisoned on an island near Istanbul, Turkey, since 1999.

"The 12th PKK Congress has decided to dissolve the PKK's organisational structure and end its method of armed struggle. The process initiated by Leader Abdullah Ocalan's statement on February 27, and further shaped by his extensive work and multidimensional perspectives, culminated in the successful convening of our 12th Party Congress between May 5-7," read a statement from the group which was carried by pro-Kurdish news agency ANF.

"Despite ongoing clashes, aerial and ground attacks, continued siege of our regions, and the KDP embargo, our congress was held securely under challenging conditions. Due to security concerns, it was conducted simultaneously in two different locations. With the participation of 232 delegates in total, the PKK 12th Congress discussed Leadership, Martyrs, Veterans, the Organizational Structure of the PKK and Armed Struggle, and Democratic Society Building, culminating in historic decisions marking the beginning of a new era for our Freedom Movement," the statement further said, according to ANF.

The PKK's announcement to dissolve and lay down arms is a significant step towards a "terror-free Turkey" , the ruling Justice and Development (AKP) Party spokesman Omer Celik said Monday.

"Decision of PKK to dissolve itself and lay down its arms following the call from Imrali is an important step towards the goal of 'terror-free Turkey," the spokesman said.

"If the new PKK decision is fully implemented, shutting down all PKK branches, illegal structures, it will be a turning point," he added.

The PKK, which is designated a terrorist organisation by Turkey, the United States, and the European Union, has been rebelling against the Turkish government for the last more than 30 years.

Turkish security forces frequently conduct cross-border operations in northern Iraq, targeting PKK hideouts and bases.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is a positive development for regional stability. As Indians, we understand the pain of long conflicts. Hope this brings lasting peace to Turkey and its Kurdish population. 🤝
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Priya M.
Interesting timing - just when Turkey is trying to improve relations with Western nations. The PKK was always a sticking point in Turkey-EU relations. Smart move by Erdogan's government if this holds.
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Amit S.
We should watch how this impacts Turkey's relations with Syria and Iraq. Any power vacuum in Kurdish regions could create instability that might affect our region indirectly. India has strategic interests in Middle East stability.
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Neha V.
The real test will be whether Turkey gives Kurds proper political representation now. Just disarming isn't enough - they need democratic rights. India's experience with various movements shows political solutions work better than military ones.
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Sanjay R.
Turkey's handling of this conflict has lessons for how we deal with our own internal security challenges. Both military action and political outreach are needed in the right balance. Hope our policymakers are taking notes.
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Kavita P.
I'm skeptical - after 40 years of conflict, can they really just lay down arms so easily? The statement mentions ongoing clashes even during the congress. Hope I'm wrong, but this might be temporary. 🙏

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Tags:
PKK Abdullah Ocalan Turkey Conflict Kurdish Liberation Turkish Politics