According to the information received, a Kolbar named Ezizi Reisi was killed by the regime forces in the city of Shino within the Urmia province. It was learned that Reisi was from the village of Girdik in Mèrgewer, Urmia.
On 1 October a kolbar was injured in a mine explosion in the Hewraman area.
On 22 September a group of kolbars in the Shino region became the target of the regime forces. A kolbar was killed in the attack and one injured.
On 23 September the regime forces opened fire on a group of kolbars in Urmia, injuring one.
At least 37 kolbars killed in six months
According to Kolbernews, during the six-month period from the beginning of March to the end of August, at least 37 kolbars were killed and 82 were injured following the attacks of the Iranian regime, mine explosions, extreme cold or avalanche between the borders of East, North and South Kurdistan.
29 of the deaths occurred as a result of the Iranian forces opening fire.
The tragedy of the kolbars
East Kurdistan has been impoverished year after year with the conscious policies of the Iranian regime. It stands out as one of the poorest regions in Iran.
Compared to other regions, there is less investment here, and development was deliberately curtailed. The development of agriculture and industry was prevented. As a result, unemployment rate reached the highest level compared to other parts of Iran.
In order to fight discrimination, oppression and impoverishment policies, carrying and trading illegal goods is not a choice but a necessity for survival.
Kolber or kolbar comes from the union of the Kurdish words “kol” and “bar”. “Kol” means back and “bar” means load.
Kolbars make their living by carrying their goods across the dangerous border line.
This goods includes cigarettes, cell phones, covers, household items, tea and rarely alcoholic beverages.
This trade between South Kurdistan and Eastern Kurdistan is dangerous. The brought goods are sold at very high prices in commercial centers like Tehran.
However, at the expense of their lives, kolbars get very small profits.