Seyyed of Quarters 15 (4)

Memories of Iranian Released POW, Seyyed Jamal Setarehdan

2016-11-5

Seyyed of Quarters 15

Memories of Iranian Released POW, Seyyed Jamal Setarehdan

Edited and Compiled by: Sassan Nateq

Tehran, Sooreh Mehr Publications Company

‎2016 (Persian Version)‎

Translated by: Zahra Hosseinian

I thought that I have lost something, when the rifle wasn’t in my hand. Javad Sabour[1], Shapur Barzgar, and Aqil Arshneshin[2] were well-known members of Basij. Anywhere I saw them; I complained and asked them to give me a rifle. A few days later, they registered my name for watching in Darvazeh Astara gas station. Alongside with Ali Zakertavasoli, I was taken there at early evening and gave each of us M-1 rifle. At the very first hour, several cars were gassed up with gasoline and diesel oil, and little by little the city sank into darkness and silence. I had slung the strap of rifle from my neck and pressed its stock tightly. I was happy because I could touch the rifle, and being beside the Basij members felt well. We turned toward cars and people, when they approached us, and kept looking at them until they gained distance. We were ordered not to pester any one and not to assume anyone as a counter-revolutionary or criminal, but I was new and thought that it is possible anything happen any moment.

Later, they trained us night combat for more preparation. We got to the lake Shorabil near evening prayers. For praying, my fellows formed lines behind Mr. Sabour. I stood swiftly next to the first line as a Mokaber[3]. Praying at night with the sound of crickets and a mild breeze from the lake Shorabil was lovely and interesting for me.

Hiking in the hills surrounding Shorabil had exhausted us. A few ones were tired and were complaining. One of the instructors heard them and said: "One day all of these will come in useful."

Shooting training cartridges and going out the fire from flash-reductor tore darkness, like some stars which suddenly twinkle. One of instructors planted a bomb into water. We had stood and watched, when he shouted: "take shelter."

We threw ourselves on the ground and a few seconds later a suffocated explosion cracked the water. The water jetted and its drops were sprinkled on my face.

Instructors and army forces went to schools and mosques for military training. One day, we gathered in the Mohammedia mosque after evening prayers. I had stared at the rifle on the table. Until that day I had never seen such a thing. Army non-commissioned officer picked up it and said, "The name of this rifle is G3... it is high powered and operate as a manually cannon. If one of its bullets is shot to someone, it leaves a hole with the fist size."

The non-commissioned officer explained more details and disassembled and assembled it twice. He put the rifle on the table and said, "Now, who can disassemble and assemble it?"

We were looking at each other, as Amin Daneshparvar raised his hand. The non-commissioned officer looked at Amin’s face and said, "Come here."

I thought that he can’t do it. The non-commissioned officer patted Amin's shoulder and said: "Ok. Now show me that you can do it!"

In complete disbelief, Daneshparvar picked up the rifle, disassembled all parts, and put them on the table. The non-commissioned officer had stood beside him and nodded.

• Excellent! Now, assemble all pieces.

As easily as disassembling, Daneshparvar assembled all of them correctly.

Two or three days after reopening of schools, I went to the Quran board. We still hadn’t start reciting the Quran, when one of the elders said, "it was broadcasted that the Iraq has attacked Iran."

Hearing this news, I was shocked. We had TV, but in the last few days I was busied preparing myself for school and hadn’t watched it. A middle-aged man who had sat next to the doyen, said excitedly: "We need to go stand in front of them."

The same doyen said, "Yeah, we have to go and defend our homeland."

I sat down in front of TV and watched it, when I went home that evening. The announcer was saying that how far the Iraqis have advanced. My grandfather said: "What’s happened, Seyyed Jamal?"

• The Iraqis have attacked Iran!

He hit his knees and said, "Good God! Now what happens?"

• Nothing, grandfather. We can do nothing ... The war has started, but people say we have to go and stand in front of the Iraqis.

From that day on, I followed the news. Radio and television broadcasted variety of news about the deployment and penetration of Iraqis in Iran's borders. Schools also had developed special atmosphere. During break I heard from others that Basij members are looking for a way to be sent. On the other hand, paradoxical reports were heard about the counter-revolution in Kurdistan. Basij members said that a number of Ardebilian have been deployed to the south front and Kurdistan.

To be continued…