The Iraqi army has once again prevented Kurdish farmers from cultivating their lands in Sargaran area of Dibis district. This issue persists despite the passage of a law restoring property rights to their rightful owners. Kirkuk Provincial Council member Dr. Ahmed Kirkuki emphasized the need for a temporary resolution until the law is fully implemented. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) have strongly condemned the army’s intervention, calling for immediate action to uphold farmers’ rights.
Iraqi Army Prevents Kurdish Farmers from Farming in Serqeran
On Monday, February 17, 2025, the Iraqi army prevented Kurdish farmers in Sargaran, a subdistrict of Dibis in Kirkuk province, from plowing their lands. This action sparked protests from the farmers, who demanded a resolution to the issue and urged authorities to ensure such incidents do not recur.
Dr. Ahmed Kirkuki, a member of the Kirkuk Provincial Council, criticized the army’s intervention, stating, “Despite the Iraqi Parliament passing the law to return properties to their rightful owners and its ratification by the President, obstacles remain for Kurdish farmers in several areas.” In a statement to PUK Media, he further noted that the army might not have received clear directives regarding the implementation of the new law, stressing that the local government in Kirkuk must find an immediate solution to this issue until the law is fully enforced.
The Iraqi Parliament passed the law on January 21, 2025, which includes provisions for restoring property confiscated under various decrees of the now-defunct Revolutionary Command Council. The law was later approved by President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid on February 13, 2025. However, its enforcement remains inconsistent, leaving affected farmers in a state of uncertainty.
PUK Condemns Military Intervention in Land Dispute
The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) issued a statement strongly criticizing the Iraqi army’s intervention in the land dispute. The PUK called on the federal government to prevent military forces from interfering in agricultural land ownership issues in Kirkuk and its surrounding areas.
“The Iraqi army should not involve itself in internal disputes among Iraqi communities. Using force against civilians to resolve property disputes is unconstitutional and undermines the rule of law,” the statement read. The PUK emphasized that the army’s primary duty is to protect the country’s borders, not to take sides in internal conflicts.
The statement also warned that the army’s actions violate laws ratified by Parliament, including the most recent legislation nullifying Ba’ath-era decrees regarding land ownership. The PUK further asserted that military involvement in disputed areas like Kirkuk could escalate tensions and hinder efforts to establish legal and constitutional governance in the region.
Qubad Talabani Decries Army’s Use Against Kurdish Farmers
Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani also issued a statement condemning the military’s intervention. He described the incident as a serious violation of the rights of Kurdish farmers and a direct challenge to the recently enacted legal reforms.
“Less than a month after the annulment of Ba’athist-era land confiscation policies, the army is being used against the original landowners in Serqeran,” Talabani said. He emphasized that such actions threaten the spirit of coexistence in Kirkuk, a city with a historically diverse population.
Talabani affirmed the KRG’s full support for the farmers and pledged to work with all relevant parties in Kirkuk to resolve the matter permanently. He also called for legal consequences for those responsible for deploying the military against civilians, warning that continued violations would endanger the stability of Kirkuk and undermine reconciliation efforts in the region.
Call for Immediate Action to Protect Farmers’ Rights
The involvement of the Iraqi army in preventing Kurdish farmers from cultivating their lands has drawn widespread condemnation. Kurdish officials and political parties argue that such actions contradict the newly passed legislation aimed at reversing historical injustices related to land ownership.
The unresolved nature of land disputes in Kirkuk, particularly in areas like Sargaran, underscores the broader challenges of implementing legal reforms in Iraq’s disputed territories. With the situation escalating, Kurdish officials have urged the federal government to take immediate steps to prevent further military interference and ensure the full enforcement of property restitution laws.
As tensions continue, Kurdish farmers remain uncertain about their ability to access their lands. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Iraqi government takes decisive action to uphold the law and prevent further injustices against Kurdish landowners.
