SHANGLA: Four miners, who had died in an incident at a mine in Jhimpir area of Thatta district in Sindh were laid to rest on Friday after their bodies arrived here in the afternoon.

Family members of the deceased told Dawn that nine mineworkers, five from Shangla and four from Swat, got stranded in the 350-foot deep coalmine after rainwater gushed into it after heavy rains in the hilly terrain of Jhimpir three days ago. However, their bodies were retrieved two days after the incident because of lack of machinery.

Abid Yaar, president of an organisation working for rights of mineworkers, told Dawn that it was clear negligence of the mine owner and the local administration as they did not rescue the miners on time. He said the miners remained stranded in 50-60-foot deep water. He said if the rescue operation started on time lives of the miners could have been saved.

Abid Yaar said he had planned a protest against the Sindh government and the mine’s owner, but postponed it till after Eidul Azda. He demanded registration of FIR against the mine’s management and a fair inquiry into the matter.

The deceased – Pervaiz Khan, Jehan Wali Khan, Mian Sher and Gul Chaman – were relatives from Amnavi area of Alpuri.

Family members said their bodies were decomposed.

Published in Dawn, July 9th, 2022