Baghdad, Iraq- President Masoud Barzani expressed strong condemnation on Monday regarding an incident involving Kurdish farmers and Iraqi military forces in Kirkuk’s Sargaran subdistrict. The individual described the actions of the forces, which prevented farmers from accessing and cultivating their land, as “chauvinistic” and reminiscent of past atrocities against the Kurdish people. The incident occurred despite recent legislation aimed at returning confiscated properties to their original Kurdish and Turkmen owners in areas affected by Arabization policies under the previous regime.
President Barzani called on the Iraqi Prime Minister to intervene to prevent similar occurrences, ensure accountability for those responsible, and uphold the law. He voiced solidarity with the affected farmers, emphasizing their right to the land and pledging support for their struggle.
Local authorities in Kirkuk reported that the soldiers involved in the incident have been detained and that an investigative committee has been established. Furthermore, they confirmed that orders have been given for the withdrawal of forces from the area.
