A nationwide strike disrupted the bazaar, government offices, and educational institutions in Khanaqin, and protests are ongoing against the decision to designate Gulala and Qaratapa as separate districts, thereby separating them from the Khanaqin district. City authorities and citizens are rejecting the move.

The Iraqi Ministry of Planning officially renamed Gulala as "Jalawla," declared it an independent district, and added Saadiyah district on February 19.

Prior to that, Qaratapa was separated from Khanaqin, and this series of decisions is seen by activists and residents of the area as a violation of the constitution and an attempt to change the demographics of the area outside Article 140.

Bazaars Empty as Traders and Officials Protest

The city ‘s bazaars was empty and traders locked their shops in protest against the federal government's efforts 

The strike did not only affect the private sector, but also employees and teachers boycotted work, and all schools and government offices were closed.

City Mayor Urges Reversal

Speaking to Channel8, Khanaqin mayor Jawad Faizullah noted that the decision has caused deep concern among the city administration. 

Faizullah stressed that they have made great efforts to put pressure on the Ministry of Planning and the relevant parties to revoke the decision.

“We would like Jalawla to develop but not at the expense of Khanaqin,” he added.

Residents Call for Action Against Federal Decisions

Mohammed Aasi, a resident of Khanaqin, told Channel8 that his city remains like a childless mother without its sub-districts.

“We hope that the Kurdish leadership and all factions in the Iraqi parliament will demand that this decision be cancelled,” another citizen emphasized.

Residents of the city say that these steps by the federal government will harm the history and geography of the Kurdish areas in Diyala province, and Khanaqin will face administrative and legal challenges.

Activists Threaten Larger Protests 

Civil society activists in the city warn that the strike is only the beginning. Taha Najm, an activist in the city, said that they will hold large-scale demonstrations in the coming days and block all roads entering Khanaqin. 

The aim of these steps is to force the Iraqi government to reverse its decisions and return Gulala and Qaratapa to the Khanaqin district.