Curfew declared in Hakkari after one killed in tribal clashes

HAKKARİ - Doğan News Agency

The curfew took effect around in the evening hours of July 20. DHA Photo

The Hakkari Governor’s Office has declared a curfew in the southeastern city after one person was killed and three others were injured during three days of clashes between two tribes.

A quarrel erupted between four men, members of the Ertoşi and Pinyanişi tribes, at Bulvar Avenue at around 11:00 p.m. on July 18. The row turned violent after members of the two tribes began attacking each other with stones and sticks. Shortly after, the police intervened by using water cannons and tear gas to disperse the two groups. As a result, many offices and vehicles were damaged during the clashes.

Members of the tribes who gathered in the center of the city armed with knives and stones on July 20 were later dispersed after Hakkari Mayor Dilek Hatipoğlu and the leaders of the two tribes intervened.  Despite the intervention, later that night, members of the Ertoşi tribe entered the home of Mustafa Er, a member of the Pinyanişi tribe, and shot him dead while injuring his son and two other people during the attack.

Following the attack on Er, the governor’s office declared a curfew in the city, which has led to the closure of all state buildings, as well as increasing security measures with the support of local police forces.

Six people have reportedly been detained as part of a probe into the incident.

A committee, including officials from the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) and the Democratic Society Congress (DTK) are set to pay an official visit Hakkari on July 21 regarding the clashes.

The governor’s office is expected to make a press statement regarding the ongoing issue in Hakkari this week.