Najaf education directorate letter on installment burial plots sparks controversy

NAJAF, Iraq — A letter circulated by the Najaf Provincial Directorate of Education offering burial plots inside a model cemetery for sale by installments through a bank has drawn criticism from local officials and residents, Shafaq News reported. The letter was signed by deputy administrative director Jasim al-Halidi while the director general, Ammar al-Arabavi, was abroad on leave. Arabawi said he would cancel the letter immediately upon resuming duties and that action would be taken against those responsible for the lapse. Sources in the Najaf Provincial Council said the council intends to summon the education director general and senior management to question them, and that the investigation could extend to Arabavi's possible removal from office. A council source noted that previous letters issued by the directorate had also been disavowed by the director general as issued without his knowledge, even though they bore his signature. Najaf is widely known for its large cemeteries, including the Wadi al-Salam cemetery, which receive burials from other Iraqi provinces and abroad. New model cemeteries have been built to accommodate rising demand.