«Yesterday Pratobello, now the wind attack. Let's save the island": Assunta Biscu from Orgosolo, half a century on the front line
He is 79 years old but continues to demonstrate. He took part in the famous anti-militarist revolt of 1969: "I won't stop, ready for the next battle"Per restare aggiornato entra nel nostro canale Whatsapp
«I remember everything about Pratobello. We were united, proud and certain that we would make it. The country fought against military occupation, we can still do so today against those who want to steal our land." Assunta Biscu was born in Orgosolo 79 years ago . He was 24 years old when he took part in that revolt which, as told in history books, "has a lot to teach, especially to young people". But things have not changed over time: today, with her silver hair gathered in a bun and armed with placards, slogans and banners - she continues to fight for a free island, without masters.
The last "effort" three days ago, when she set out from Orgosolo to reach Cagliari and join the demonstration that from Piazza Garibaldi reached the Regional Council to ask the institutions to listen and find a solution against the wind and photovoltaic assault . «It really doesn't bother me . It's not the first time I've taken part in similar initiatives", confesses the woman. Which, to be honest, doesn't miss a thing. «I also often go to Rome, when I can. Whenever there is a need to make my, our voice heard, I cannot miss it. Pratobello has left too strong memories and ideologies in my heart , I can't do otherwise." Yet, despite his explosive strength and courage, his life was not easy. Widowed at 39, she raised 7 children with sacrifices but a lot of dignity . First the job in the bakery, then came the job as a janitor «which allowed me to live peacefully and reach retirement».
« What do I remember of those days? Lots of details . We were all aligned on a single front , our strength was word of mouth. We knew they wanted to occupy the lands, we couldn't accept all this. So we organized ourselves, each as we could. We left early, in the hope of not being caught by the military. And we were there, presiding over spaces that weren't theirs, they were ours. Whoever was caught was locked in a sort of manned enclosure. Someone brought some bread, some wine. Nobody was alone, we were united", recalls Assunta. Then the tones become more melancholy: «Of course, it was a peaceful movement. Even the mayor Giovanni Moro, with his megaphone, asked us to remain calm: "Don't worry, let's keep the peace!", he shouted. And everyone followed. An example that we should replicate today, even if it is difficult. The kids are apathetic and don't understand that their future depends on what happens today."
Mrs. Biscu's mother , also a proud supporter of freedom and the rights of Sardinia, knew this well: «She gave me the example. Even if it is always with us: in Orgosolo there is a mural that represents a woman holding a little girl by the hand: it is my mother and my sister's daughter. Two generations united."
And even if 55 years have passed since 1969 «for me Pratobello will always remain a unique experience – concludes Biscu –. But I don't stop here. I will continue to demonstrate as long as I have the strength. My family knows this well and is now used to seeing me on the front line. In a few days there will be another meeting against wind energy in Saccargia . Obviously I won't miss it. I'm always booked."