On the other, there are people who strongly believe problems will be resolved if people believe in themselves and the nation and further develop democracy. I dedicate the majority of this column to those who remind us of the power of common sense. We are experiencing a period in which martyrs’ funeral ceremonies are turned into protest rallies. And not just any type of protest -- anti-government protests. During these rallies, the government and state officials are being bombarded with criticism, and some have even been accused of betrayal.
I must note from the very beginning that such attacks and allegations are extremely unfair. In fact, security forces are responsible for locating, capturing and deactivating terrorists in the mountains. (İsmet Berkan, Radikal)
I have been watching for days the events taking place in mosque courtyards and at funerals. And as I watch those shallow individuals using funerals to advance their petty goals, I want to scream. “This is impossible,” I say. A coffin cannot be a tool for political gain -- it should not be. The coffin covered with the Turkish flag cannot create political entanglement, nor should it be used for a steeplechase.
For days I have been crying out that politics at funerals is a separatism greater than the terrorism of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Regardless of whether the Justice and Development Party (AK Party), the Republican People’s Party (CHP), the Workers’ Party (İP) or the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) is in government, using funerals for politics is separatism. (Ertuğrul Özkök, Hürriyet)
The PKK terrorist activities are increasing. The tensions between the leading party and opposition, in which the army has taken a side, are deepening polarization in Turkey. Parliamentary elections on July 22 might not be a remedy for the polarizing trend in politics. Terror must be damned and Kurdish politicians, the Democratic Society Party (DTP) and Kurdish intellectuals must be among those speaking out against terrorism. Do not forget that Kurds will be unable to sustain peace and democracy with the PKK, terrorism and the Imralı trial.
Furthermore, it is a great shame and serious mistake to conduct politics at martyr funerals -- it is separatism. Another grave, divisive mistake was the calls for public protests against terrorism described in the late-night military memorandum. Increased demonstrations will only fuel the fire of those who want a Turkish-Kurdish clash in the country. While trying to damage the AK Party, politics could face the risk of being completely ruined. (Hasan Cemal, Milliyet)
It is truly the time for people to stop the huge mistake of turning martyr funerals into demonstration events. “Martyrdom” is a religious title and the mosque is a religious place. Those who defend the notion that “religion should not interfere in politics” must try to put an end to such events. Politics, the military and civil bureaucracy are all responsible for national security. Decisions come from politics and implementation comes from its sources, while security forces engage in military and police operations. The military chief and police directorate are as responsible as the prime minister and interior minister when it comes to protecting the country. The protesting of politics or the leading party at the funerals of terrorism victims is neither rational nor understandable. We hope the security summit in Ankara will discourage those groups from conducting such inappropriate and ill-intended events in the future. (Mehmet Barlas, Posta)
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