The second congress for the Shengal Democratic Autonomy Assembly held under the motto “Democratic Autonomy To Build A New Shengal” started this morning and continues now with speeches.

The congress will continue into the evening, with delegates from Shengal, the Newroz Camp, the Rojava Êzidî House, Armenia and Russia, with banners reading “The Êzidî woman is the guarantee for an autonomous administration in Shengal”, “Leader Apo is the source of free life” were hanged on the walls, among others. The hall was also adorned with photographs of martyrs of the revolution.

The opening speech was given by Shengal Constituent Assembly Chairperson Xidir Salih. Salih recalled that the assembly has been active for two years and said:

“All members of our assembly spent great efforts to serve the people in these two years. The efforts were always under the shadow of all the hardships endured and the wound from the 73rd Genocide. Despite all obstacles, we are holding our second congress today.”

KCK also sent a message to the congress where Dijwar Feqir spoke in the name of YBŞ (Shengal Resistance Units) Command. Feqir congratulated the congress and said:

“Today, the heroes that are the Êzidxan martyrs are not among us, but their persistence and their resistance spirit created a ground for our forces to build on. For that, we are fighting against the most vile enemy, ISIS, today.”

Feqir also called on all Ezidxan forces and called for uniting under one command to protect Ezidxan from internal and external attacks.

Later, YJŞ (Shengal Women's Units) Commander Axin Intikam greeted the people’s congress and said: “Today we have shown everyone that we as the Shengali women can stand on our two feet. We have given our back to and put our faith in our people who have resisted alongside us in Shengal to this day.”

The congress will continue today and elections will be held for new co-chairs.