JINHA

KOBANÊ - People from Kobanê forced to flee by Daesh's threats of massacre have started to return to the liberated city. With long queues of returnees at the border crossing between Suruç and Kobanê, 40 thousand people have already made the crossing.

In spite of statements and warnings that the situation in Kobanê, where landmines remain in the ground and infrastructure is totally destroyed, is not yet suitable to sustain the returnees, Kobanê citizens have been returning after six months away from their city.

Around 200,000 people fled from Kobanê to Suruç starting in September, when Daesh attacks became intense. The Democratic Regions Party (DBP) municipal governments in the areas have been housing the residents since then in tent cities as an alternative to the poor conditions and assimilation politics of the Turkish state's camps, run by the AFAD disaster administration. 

Around half of the 20,000-person population of the Suruç tent cities have now returned to Kobanê, according to recent reports. Crossings take place three days a week, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday—the only days the Mürşitpınar border gate is open.

While there are long queues on these days starting inthe Miseynter village, the mood in the line is enthusiastic.People say they will return no matter the cost.

(nt/cm)