A Patriotic Union of Kurdistan representative on the Diyala Provincial Council said on Wednesday that recent remarks by the party's Khanaqin office had been "misunderstood" and were not directed at any community. "We do not accept statements that offend any community," PUK council member Aws Al-Mahdawi said at a press conference.
Al-Mahdawi clarified that the remarks referred specifically to individuals who had moved to Khanaqin in violation of regulations implementing Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, which addresses territories disputed between the federal government and the Kurdistan Region. The implementation committee for Article 140, headed by Badr Organization leader Hadi al-Amiri, issues instructions governing administrative procedures in those areas, he said.
Al-Mahdawi said Khanaqin remains part of Iraq and Diyala province, with the district commissioner operating within the local government's administrative structure. He accused "fake and paid pages" of exploiting recent events to fuel tensions, noting that Khanaqin remains a sensitive issue because residents have been displaced since the Baath regime and government decisions call for their return.
Khanaqin district commissioner Jawad Fayadhallah said the Provincial Council had summoned him to discuss several issues concerning the district. "We are government employees and apply only the law," Fayadhallah said, adding that Khanaqin was stable, detainees had been released, and there were currently no arrests or arrest warrants against activists, young people or political figures.
On September 2, a delegation of Kurdish political parties, politicians and activists from Khanaqin presented demands to President Nizar Amedi concerning security, administration and public services in the district.
