The remains of 70 Assia villagers, victims of a mass killing in 1974, were dumped at a landfill in Dikomo, as revealed in minutes from a meeting held on 17 November 2017. These findings emerged during a session between the Committee of Relatives of Missing Persons from Assia and the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus.
Photo: en.philenews.com
Assia villagers: Grim Discovery from the Past
The Assia villagers were executed during the Turkish invasion and initially buried in two wells at Afania. However, in 1995, their remains were exhumed and disposed of at the landfill in a bid to erase evidence of the atrocities committed.
Photo: en.philenews.com
Witness Accounts Provide New Evidence
During the meeting, the relatives’ committee learned that witnesses with direct knowledge of the remains’ transfer to the landfill had been identified. This shocking revelation prompted scepticism from attendees, who struggled to comprehend the extent of the disrespect shown towards the deceased.
Details of the Operation
According to the minutes, the Turkish Cypriot representatives disclosed that the operation to relocate the remains was orchestrated by select individuals who feared discovery. The chosen method was to transport the remains in lorries to the landfill, effectively camouflaging them among everyday waste.
Investigation Timeline and Findings
The inquiry into the disposal of the remains began in earnest after the investigation of the mass graves at Ornithi in 2009. Progress was slow until six individuals involved in the removal were persuaded to cooperate, leading to corroborated accounts that confirmed the remains had indeed been dumped at the Dikomo site.
Challenges and Further Actions
Paul-Henri Arni of the CMP highlighted the challenges faced by investigators, noting that the landfill had been operational until 2002 when it was rehabilitated with EU funding. The relatives were assured that every effort would be made to gather information regarding the quantities of rubbish deposited during that time.
A Step Towards Closure
The relatives expressed gratitude for the CMP’s commitment to clarifying the fate of their loved ones. They acknowledged this progress as a crucial step in resolving a longstanding tragedy that has haunted them for decades.
Eyewitness Testimonies of the Atrocities
In addition to the minutes from the meeting, disturbing accounts from eyewitnesses shed light on the brutal mass execution of the Assia villagers. A former soldier detailed the chilling orders given to eliminate the captured individuals, revealing the systematic nature of the killings.
DNA Testing for Unidentified Remains
The Committee of Relatives of Missing Persons from Assia also raised the issue of unidentified bones found at Ornithi, advocating for DNA testing to verify the number of individuals involved. They sought clarity on the presence of the two remaining missing individuals scientifically confirmed to have been part of the group.
Continued Search for the Missing
In addition to addressing the identified remains, the committee urged further investigation into other missing persons from Assia, who vanished in different circumstances during the same period. Their calls for action reflect an unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth and finding closure for those affected by these historical events.
