The YJA Star Central Headquarters Command has issued a written statement regarding Newroz. The statement emphasized that, despite all attacks by the enemies of the Kurds, the Newroz fire has never been extinguished; instead, it has grown even stronger.

The statement said: "Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] began his march for freedom on a Newroz day 52 years ago at Çubuk Dam. The Newroz fire, which was on the verge of being extinguished, was rekindled with Leader Apo’s breath. In the 1980s and 1990s, many sacrificed their bodies to ensure that this fire never went out. From the contemporary Kawa, Mazlum Doğan, to Zekiye Alkan, from Rehşan Demirel to Sema Yüce, many Kurdish young people gave their bodies to enlarge and strengthen the Newroz fire. For 52 years, resistance has kept the Newroz fire alive. The Dehaqs of that time mobilized all their power to extinguish this fire, but today, they stand powerless and helpless in the face of the people's hope for freedom."

The statement underlined that "even the International Conspiracy, which was the greatest attack by today’s Dehaqs, could not put out this fire. On the contrary, with the 'You Cannot Darken Our Sun' actions, the Newroz fire was further ignited by the bodies of young men and women. Most recently, in 2019, Zülküf Gezen sacrificed his life in opposition to the severe isolation imposed on Kurdish People's Leader Rêber Apo, ensuring that this fire of honor would not be extinguished.

Since the Newroz of 1973, every Newroz has been a rebirth, every Newroz has been a step in the pursuit of freedom. For this reason, the resistance of Newroz has kept our national dignity alive and enduring. The Kurdish people, especially Kurdish women, have asserted their identity more strongly on every Newroz. Newroz squares have been colored with national attire, traditional dances have been performed, and these dances have grown with the unity and enthusiasm of all peoples who seek freedom. The unity and determination of the people have continued to be the nightmare of the oppressors."  

The statement added: "Our party, the PKK, has revived Newroz, the festival of the Kurdistan people, through a struggle based on Leader Apo’s philosophy, paying great sacrifices along the way. Our army, YJA Star, has also acted in line with Leader Apo’s ideology of freedom, fulfilling its national and social liberation responsibilities for years with the enthusiasm of Newroz. The increasing visibility of Kurdish women in Newroz squares has been made possible by the struggles of our martyr heroes in the YJA Star army. Therefore, this Newroz is also a day to celebrate the victory of immortal resisters."

Our resistance saw great sacrifices

The statement continued: "With his efforts, Leader Apo will either build a new festival for the peoples or pave the way for Newroz to be celebrated with even greater enthusiasm. Today, Newroz brings the good news of freedom to the peoples with Leader Apo’s greetings. As YJA Star, we will continue along this path with absolute dedication, carrying forth his greetings, his resistance, and his leadership. Until today, our armed struggle has solely been for the existence, honor, and revival of women and the people.

Women and communities, particularly Kurdish women, have taken the most significant steps in this struggle. Today, we are fully prepared to participate in the process initiated by Leader Apo in the most active way. The enemy may try to nullify our historic resistance and dismantle our struggle, but our combat strength today is far greater than it was 30 years ago. From Zîlan and Bêrîtan to Sara, Rûken, and Asya, we possess the profound values of self-sacrificing resistance. We will continue our struggle with unwavering determination for the dignity of humanity. With the spirit of Newroz, we will elevate our resistance to the highest level and carry our struggle to victory. As YJA Star and as a movement, we salute our people’s Newroz with great enthusiasm, honor, and determination."

The statement stressed that "our resistance has reached today through great sacrifices. From now on, we will continue our struggle in the same direction. Newroz has become the goal of our struggle for free leadership, free women, and a free society. This Newroz, our people must embrace Leader Apo’s message of freedom, stand in unity, and hold on even more strongly to their freedom. When our people unite around the truth, the tyrannical Dehaqs will not even have the courage to move. 

As the fighters and commanders of YJA Star, we once again declare that we are the devoted followers of Leader Apo. We celebrate the Newroz of Leader Apo, the families of martyrs, the peace mothers, our patriotic people, and especially our comrades in prison who never abandoned their honorable resistance."