Quetta, Pakistan – A large-scale demonstration erupted in Duki, Balochistan, following the tragic deaths of 20 coal miners during a violent assault at the Junaid coal mine late Thursday night. The brutal attack, which involved grenades and rocket launchers, not only claimed lives but also significantly damaged the site’s infrastructure.
Masses of mourners marched through the town bearing the coffins of the deceased, expressing their grief and demanding justice. Amid heightened security, they called on authorities for swift and decisive action to capture and prosecute the perpetrators.
Local police officials said that the gun attack left several other miners wounded, some critically. Emergency response teams, promptly arriving at the scene, facilitated the transportation of the critically injured to hospitals in nearby Loralai and Quetta for advanced medical treatment.
In response to the attack, security measures at other mining sites across Balochistan have been strengthened, reflecting ongoing concerns about violence and the general safety of workers in the region. The devastating incident underscores the challenges and risks faced by workers in an area that continues to grapple with both militant activity and occupational hazards.
Balochistan’s Chief Minister, Mir Sarfaraz Bugti, condemned the killings, labeling the incident a terrorist attack and vowing that the offenders would face justice. “Those responsible will not be spared,” Bugti stated unequivocally.
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) has since taken charge of the investigation. An FIR regarding the incident has been registered as part of efforts to bring those responsible to book.
Support and condemnation for the attack have come from across the political spectrum, reflecting universal outrage and mourning. Leaders of various parties, including PKMAP, PPP, and BNP (Mengal), have voiced their grief and called for stringent measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
This event has also sparked broader discussions about the state’s obligation to protect its citizens, particularly those working in high-risk sectors like mining. A local elder, voicing his disdain, pointedly questioned the effectiveness of government protection provided to vulnerable workers.
As the community seeks solace and answers, there is a strong collective call for both justice for the victims and enhanced protective measures to ensure the safety of all miners in the region. The authorities’ response in the coming days may well set a precedent for how similar incidents are addressed in the future.