The Iraqi army has once again barred Kurdish farmers from accessing their lands on the outskirts of Kirkuk, with the latest incidents occurring today in the village of Shinaqa and four other villages in the Sargaran subdistrict. The move has sparked strong condemnation from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), which described it as a violation of constitutional rights.

In a statement released today, the Office of the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government denounced the army’s actions, stating that they "contradict the provisions of the constitution and the principles upon which the new Iraq was founded." The KRG warned that "the use of the military for such purposes constitutes a clear breach of the law and the constitution, necessitating immediate intervention before these unlawful practices lead to serious consequences."

The land disputes in Kirkuk and other disputed territories have long been a source of tension between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region. The latest developments come despite recent progress in addressing historical grievances. Just last month, the Iraqi Parliament voted in favor of a draft law aimed at restoring confiscated lands to their rightful owners, a move seen as a step toward reversing the demographic policies imposed by the former regime.

The KRG has called on the federal government to uphold constitutional commitments and ensure that Kurdish farmers are allowed to return to their lands without military interference. As tensions continue to rise, local residents and political observers are closely watching how Baghdad responds to the situation.