JINHA

WAN – Yesterday saw Newroz celebrations across eastern Kurdistan in spite of snow, with police attacking thousands of people in Van.

Thousands headed to Van to celebrate Newroz early in the morning. Police attacked the celebrations with a heavy barrage of tear gas in the afternoon. Many celebrants were borne away in ambulances. Dozens of children were lost in the attack. Citizens fought back with stones against the police barricade.

In towns and cities across the Serhat region of Northern Kurdistan, thousands celebrated Newroz in spite of the heavy snowfall. In the Diyadin town of Ağrı province, citizens marched through the falling snow with drums and pipes. Patnos in the same province saw a large celebration as well.

The Malazgirt town of Muş province drew thousands of people for a celebration that started early in the morning, with speeches by local Democratic Regions Party (DBP) co-mayors.

In Bitlis province, the towns of Ahlat and Hizan saw rain, but it didn't dampen Newroz celebrations.

(zd/mg/cm)