HÜDA PAR Deputy Chairman and Batman MP Serkan Ramanlı has said the end of armed violence in Türkiye marks a new opportunity to address long-standing problems, but warned that the Kurdish issue cannot be considered resolved simply because weapons have been laid down.

Ramanlı made the remarks at the 5th Ordinary Congress of HÜDA PAR’s Şırnak provincial organization, held at the 15 July Congress Hall of Şırnak University.

The congress was attended by HÜDA PAR Deputy Chairmen Mahmut İrtem, Yahya Oğraş and Mehmet Şah Gültekin, Şırnak Mayor Mehmet Yarka, representatives of political parties and civil society organizations, as well as a large number of party members.

The event opened with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by opening speeches.

‘The Kurdish issue is not over’

Ramanlı described the sidelining of weapons and violence as an important development, but cautioned against assuming that the underlying Kurdish issue had therefore been resolved.

“God willing, we are finally escaping the spiral of violence and the grip of terrorism that has marked the last 50 years,” he said, describing the current period as “a new stage, a new hope and a new beginning.”

He stressed, however, that this should not be taken to mean that problems related to identity, language, economic development and justice had been fully resolved.

“If anyone says, ‘The organisation has been dissolved, the weapons have been buried or surrendered, security has been achieved, therefore the Kurdish issue is also over,’ I wish to state here that they are under a very great misapprehension,” Ramanlı said.

He argued that demands for rights should now be pursued through peaceful and lawful means rather than violence.

Ramanlı said recently enacted legislation in the Turkish parliament had opened a new path for those who had previously regarded weapons and violence as a means of pursuing their demands, adding that the opportunity should be used properly.

‘We are not a party of political clichés’

Ramanlı also highlighted what he described as HÜDA PAR’s distinctive approach to politics, saying the party sought to work with people regardless of their political views, professions, backgrounds or sectarian affiliations.

“Regardless of political view, profession, disposition or sect, people have begun to embrace and appreciate HÜDA PAR’s politics,” he said.

“We have never been a party that intends to practise politics with memorised clichés.”

He said elections were an essential part of governing a country but argued that political rivalry should end once an election was over.

“For us, after election night there is no longer competition,” Ramanlı said. “Whether we are elected or one of our rivals is elected, there is no longer competition but mutual assistance.”

He said HÜDA PAR had consistently sought to contribute to both local and central government rather than become a burden, supporting policies it believed were beneficial while drawing attention to shortcomings when necessary.

Referring to Bediüzzaman Said Nursi, Ramanlı said the party’s cadres should remain committed to truth and justice at every level, from neighborhood representatives to the party leadership.

Calls for peaceful resolution of Kurdish issue

Ramanlı said Türkiye’s longstanding problems should be addressed through what he described as brotherhood, justice and the country’s own historical and civilizational experience.

“Our faith, our civilisational values and our deep-rooted history are sufficient for us to resolve this matter on the ground of brotherhood and by the measure of justice,” he said.

He argued that solutions should not be sought through what he described as outdated Western ideologies, but by drawing on Türkiye’s own historical experience and intellectual traditions.

Ramanlı also said HÜDA PAR members who had previously held senior positions, including former party chairmen, had continued contributing to the same political cause rather than leaving to pursue separate political paths.

“This is a stance that breaks the mould; God willing it will become a fine example,” he said.

HÜDA PAR calls for Şırnak to receive share of oil revenues

Ramanlı also raised the issue of Şırnak’s oil production, calling for changes to the Petroleum Law so that oil-producing provinces receive a share of the revenues generated from resources extracted from their territory.

He noted that the Mining Law provides for a certain share to be allocated to the needs of the city where minerals are extracted, while arguing that a similar mechanism does not currently exist under the Petroleum Law.

“Just as in the Mining Law, a regulation should be made in the Petroleum Law so that a share is allocated to meet the needs of the city where the oil is extracted,” he said.

Ramanlı said HÜDA PAR would seek to submit a bill to the Presidency of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and work to secure broad parliamentary support.

He argued that oil-producing cities should receive a fairer share of the economic benefits generated by their natural resources, similar to the principle applied to gold, marble and other underground resources.

New Şırnak provincial chairman takes office

Ramanlı thanked outgoing Şırnak Provincial Chairman Emcet Yalçın for his service and wished success to Nasuh Sevinik, who took over as the party’s new Şırnak provincial chairman.

The congress concluded with the transition of the provincial leadership, as HÜDA PAR reiterated its call for political engagement based on justice, social solidarity and peaceful methods. (ILKHA)