Fahmi Burhan, Head of the General Board for Kurdistani Areas Outside the Region, a body of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), stated that the federal government's decision to designate Gulała as a district and to separate it from Khanaqin is an unconstitutional attempt and contrary to the principles of Article 140.

Briefing a press conference on Thursday, Burhan noted that they held a "very serious discussion” with all political parties in Khanaqin on the current situation in the city.

He stated that representatives of the parliament in the city participated in the meeting and expressed their legal and constitutional views.

"Our meeting was very patriotic and Kurdish, and we came out with a national discourse,” Burhan stressed.

“We consider it our national and moral duty to support Khanaqin along with our constitutional and legal duties,” he added.

KRG Denounces Federal Decision as Unconstitutional

The official said KRG attaches great importance to the the move and is “deeply concerned" about steps by the federal government.

Burhan emphasized that the KRG supports the people of Khanaqin as a "unconstitutional and illegal issue."

He highlighted that what has happened is an extension of the policy that has continued since the 1970s.

Khanaqin Residents Protest Decision Amid Citywide Strike

The press conference coincides with a nationwide strike in the city, which has disrupted the bazaar, government offices, and educational institutions, as residents, authorities, and civil society activists intensify their efforts to overturn the decision.

Khanaqin mayor Jawad Faizullah told Channel8 that they are concerned over the decision, underlining their efforts to pressure authorities to revoke it and emphasizing that they want Jalawla to develop without harming Khanaqin.

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

KRG Official Praises Khanaqin Protest, Calls for Media Support

Burhan expressed his gratitude to the residents of Khanaqin for their peaceful protest and civil strike, which conveyed to the Iraqi and Arab communities that they will no longer tolerate injustice towards the people of city.

He also called on the media to provide a continuous platform for the voices of the people to be heard on the issue.