KOHAT: Mineworkers kept the coal mines in Akhorwal area of Darra Adamkhel closed for the second day on Sunday following a dispute with the owner of a mining company over raise in their wages.

The non-local miners, mostly from Shangla district, gathered at the Martyrs’ Square, and after holding the protest there, travelled to other mines and tried to close them forcibly.

However, the local administration and elders intervened to defuse the tension.

Sources told Dawn that unrest was prevailing among the local tribesmen, mining companies and labourers after the incident.

Meanwhile, the Darra coal owners’ association, students and social activists demanded of the administration to restrict the protesting miners to the Martyrs’ Square, as the miners proceeded to other areas to stop mining activity forcibly.

Later, MNA from Shangla Dr Abdullah Khan, chairman Bisham tehsil council Haji Sadeedur Rehman and chairman Alpuri tehsil council Vaqar Ahmed Khan also arrived in the area and participated in the protest.

Negotiations were held between the protesting mineworkers and the owner of Akhorwal mines to help resolve the issue of wages.

Meanwhile, provincial minister Shaukat Yousufzai, who also belongs to Shangla district, called for addressing the concerns of the mineworkers over wages through peaceful means.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2022