Iraqi Army Blocks Kurdish Farmers from Kirkuk Lands Again; KRG Leaders Condemn Action

Peregraf 

The Iraqi army has once again prevented Kurdish farmers from entering their lands in Kirkuk province, particularly in the village of Shanagha and four other villages within Sargaran district. The move has sparked strong condemnation from Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) officials, who view it as a violation of constitutional rights and a setback in efforts to reverse past injustices.

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani denounced the Iraqi army’s actions, emphasizing that they contradict recent progress made in addressing the demographic changes imposed by the former Iraqi regime.

“This is despite the fact that steps have been taken to eliminate the legacy of the previous regime’s decisions to change the demographics of Kurdish areas outside the Kurdistan Region and confiscate the lands and properties of the indigenous people,” Barzani said.

He pointed out that the Iraqi parliament passed a bill last month to return confiscated lands to their original Kurdish owners, making the continued military interference even more concerning.

“These behaviors of the Iraqi army are contrary to the constitution and the principles on which the new Iraq is built. The use of the army for such purposes is illegal and unconstitutional. These actions must be stopped immediately before they lead to undesirable consequences,” Barzani warned.

Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani echoed Barzani’s concerns, condemning the deployment of military forces against Kurdish farmers.

“These actions contradict the law and the constitution. The army is being used against the rightful landowners, which is unacceptable,” Talabani stated.

He further warned that such moves threaten the spirit of coexistence in Kirkuk and urged immediate intervention to resolve the issue.

“We fully support the farmers, and with cooperation from all parties in Kirkuk, we will work toward a lasting solution. Those responsible for these violations must be held legally accountable,” Talabani added.

The situation in Kirkuk remains tense as Kurdish landowners continue to demand access to their confiscated properties. With political and security tensions mounting, calls for legal and diplomatic resolutions to the crisis are growing louder.