Due to the estimated iron and chromium reserves in Hasandin Plateau in the Kulp district of Amed (Diyarbakır), drilling vehicles of an Izmir-based company were dispatched to the region accompanied by soldiers. A mining company, which was deployed to the region accompanied by soldiers, took samples by drilling, which caused the reaction of the citizens living in the villages. The villages of Nêrçik, Şînas, Dimilyan, Hêlin, Beyrok and Inika in particular are among the first villages to be affected in a possible mining operation.

Our water source will be cut off and there will be no living creatures left

Recep Aslanhan, who lives in Nêrçik village, said that beekeeping is their livelihood and pointed out that: "One and a half months ago, the district governor held a meeting with the mukhtars of Nêrçik, Şînas, Dimilyan and Beyrok villages regarding the mining exploration. When we heard this, we told them through the mukhtars that we did not accept such a thing and would not allow it. The company nevertheless came to the region together with soldiers. We told both the soldiers and the company representatives that we do not accept this. If such a work is carried out, our life of so many years will be destroyed. Our labour and nature will be plundered. Worst of all, there will be no living creatures left here. Hasandin is the highest mountain of Kulp. We have a lot of water. We have the most water in this region. We can get one thousand litres of drinking water per second. So, our water source will also be cut off. In any dynamite explosion or drilling work, our water will be poisoned."

There will be no life left in Kulp

Stating that the region harbors all their sources of livelihood, Aslanhan said, "Geliyê Godernê Dam also affects the villages in the other regions, and it will also destroy many of them. If this mining operation takes place, it will cause the evacuation of dozens of villages. After that, there will be no life left in Kulp. Agriculture is almost finished, and they should protect what is left of it at least. Instead of bringing imported products, they should stop these mining and dam works and support the people of the region. There is no local agriculture left in the country. We cannot find hay for our animals. However, if there is enough agriculture, if nothing is imported, we can acquire hay and enrich the region. Our lands are being destroyed. We do not want this. Why do they want to destroy these riches? We have been living here like this for years. We don't know how to live without land, without animals, between concrete blocks. Apart from everything else, our nature will be destroyed."

The aim is to destroy life here

Aslanhan added the following: "If this work takes place, all the people of the region will be forced to migrate. The whole district will be affected by the planned mining operation. The aim is to destroy life here. They are selling our land for the benefit of a few companies. They are trying to exile us from here. We do not want mines, hydroelectric power plants and dams on our lands. We do not want to have to leave our land. We will continue to stand against them. We want all our people and sensitive segments to be with us on this issue and to make our voices heard."