QUETTA: A joint investigation team (JIT) formed by Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch to probe the massacre of 20 construction workers in Turbat on Saturday has started its work.

Makran Deputy Inspector General Mouzzam Jah is heading the JIT that includes senior officers of police, Commissioner Mir Pasand Khan Buledi, the commandant of Makran Scouts and officials of intelligence agencies.

The team has been asked to submit its report within a week.

The JIT interrogated the eight Levies personnel who were arrested because they did not resist but escaped when militants from a banned group attacked the camp of a construction company.

The members of the JIT visited the area where the incident had taken place and recorded the statements of the three workers who had been injured in the attack.

Meanwhile, the chief minister presided over a meeting of the heads of law-enforcement agencies and administration of Makran division. Chief Secretary Saifullah Chattah and Principal Secretary Nasim Lehri also attended the meeting which reviewed the law and order situation in the division.

Talking to reporters in Turbat, Dr Baloch said that all steps would be taken to bring to justice the elements responsible for the killings.

“The government will fulfil its responsibility of protecting the people of the province,” he vowed.

The chief minister said seven people had been washed away in flash floods last year at the same place because of the absence of a bridge over Suraab River and in view of this situation the government was building it.

He said that despite opposition from some elements development work would continue in the province.

Meanwhile, a search operation launched by security forces in the mountainous areas of Turbat and its vicinity continued on Sunday.

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2015

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