PUK Leader Calls for Restraint as Lajan Village Evacuated Amid Unrest Near Lanaz Refinery
Peregraf – Political reactions intensified on Tuesday after Lajan village was forcibly evacuated by Erbil security forces—an operation that followed the fatal shooting of a non-protesting truck driver near the Lanaz Refinery. Calling for calm, PUK President Bafel Talabani said the situation requires restraint from the authorities, stressing: “The people affected have legitimate concerns, and their voices must be heard.”
Residents of Lajan say they were removed from their homes and relocated under the pretext that security forces needed to arrest “wanted individuals.” Villagers described the evacuation as sudden, forceful, and punitive, leaving the entire community displaced.
Lajan: A Village at the Centre of Tensions
Lajan is a small village in the Khabit district of Erbil, home primarily to members of the Harki tribe. The community has long complained of being excluded from employment opportunities at the nearby Lanaz Refinery. Villagers say officials and refinery administrators promised them jobs ahead of Iraq’s parliamentary elections but never delivered.
Frustration grew into days of demonstrations last week, with villagers blocking tanker movements and demanding the promised opportunities.
Tensions escalated on November 29 when Erfan Bahadin, a 25-year-old truck driver from Kirkuk who was not part of the protest, was shot dead during unrest near the refinery. His family insists he was struck by a Dushka round fired by refinery Asayish forces while trying to move away from the area.
Talabani: “The Violence Must Stop”
In his statement, Bafel Talabani urged both sides to prevent further escalation: “The PUK is extremely concerned by the recent unrest in Erbil/Lajan. We urge the government to exercise restraint.”
“The message of the honourable Harkis and all those impacted has been received, and we call on protesters to respect the rule of law.”
He stressed the need for unity during Iraq’s government formation process: “This is a sensitive moment for Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, and Kurds must remain united.”
Talabani said the PUK stands ready to help broker a peaceful solution: “We stand ready to assist, restore calm, and secure the rightful demands of citizens… The areas must be demilitarised.”
Displaced Families Await Answers
As of Tuesday, the entire population of Lajan remains displaced. Some families are staying with relatives; others have been moved to temporary locations with limited services. Residents say they have received no information on when they might return.
The Kurdistan Regional Government has not issued a detailed explanation for the evacuation or clarified the allegations regarding “wanted individuals.”
Local activists warn that unless authorities address the killing of Erfan Bahadin and outline a path for Lajan’s residents to return, tensions are likely to deepen.