QUETTA: Coal supply to Punjab and other areas from Duki and other coal mine fields in parts of Balochistan was suspended amid a protest sit-in staged by mine workers and owners against the arson and gun attacks on miners and coal-laden trucks, on Saturday.

The protesters blocked the main artery linking Duki and other coal field areas with Punjab and other parts of the country by putting boulders and barricades, according to reports.

The protesting owners of the mines in Duki and Harnai areas complained that attacks on miners and trucks carrying coal to Punjab had become a matter of routine. “After a recent firing incident, we have no other option but to close our mines,” they said, adding that they had stopped coal supply to Punjab.

They said that despite their repeated appeals to the government, no arrangements were made for the protection of mine owners and workers.

Miners vow to continue sit-in until they get adequate security

Some two months ago, armed men had intercepted 10 trucks loaded with coal and torched them.

Demanding complete security arrangements, the protesters announced that they would continue to stage the sit-in on the main road, leaving a large number of coal trucks stranded in the area, until their demands were met.

However, officials claimed that the local administration was making all-out efforts to take strict action against the elements involved in recent gun and arson attacks. The government would provide the best possible security to the mine workers and owners, they said, adding that FC and Levies personnel were deployed in the area after the firing incidents.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2023