Halil Paşa who had served as a commander of the Turkish Resistance Organization (TMT) and as president of the TMT Freedom Fighters’ Association, was laid to rest on Wednesday with full military honours.

Two separate ceremonies were held for Halil Paşa this morning before his funeral took place at noon.

Born on October 21, 1936, in the Nergisli village of Gazimağusa district, Halil Paşa was involved in the national struggle from his youth.

Halil Paşa joined the TMT, playing crucial roles, especially in the intelligence units, for an extended period.

Between December 1963 and March 1978, Halil Paşa successively served as the Director of the TMT’s Intelligence Lefkoşa Branch and the Intelligence Group President of the Security Forces.

Two ceremonies were held for Paşa this morning.

The first ceremony was realized at the Mücahitler Sitesi (Freedom Fighters Headquarters) and the second was held at the Republic’s Assembly.

Speaking during the first ceremony, President Ersin Tatar said that Halil Paşa was a popular and humble person who contributed greatly to the struggle waged by the Turkish Cypriot people.

“Halil Paşa entrusted the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to us and we shall keep it alive forever. We will not bow down to the Greek Cypriots who are trying to impose a federal settlement on us,” he said.

Tatar added that it was out of the question to accept a federal settlement in Cyprus as this meant zero troops and zero guarantees.

Following noon prayers at the Ismail Safa Mosque in Lefkoşa, a military ceremony was held for Halil Paşa where he was then laid to eternal rest.