QUETTA, March 6: Major Gen Mohammad Farooq of 12 Corps said that the Chamalang coal mines, which were now operational following the tripartite agreement between the Marri and Luni tribes and mine contractors, had the capacity to produce coal worth Rs30 billion per annum.

An official statement issued here on Tuesday said that Gen Farooq during his interaction with the people of Kohlu had invited fugitives and marginalised persons to join the path of prosperity and development instead of impairing government efforts.

He asserted that the main advantage of this project was that education facility would be provided to 300 students by the army, adding that the package included free education, books, uniforms, stationery and a Rs500-monthly stipend.

He said the army in the initial stage would bear the cost; however, later at an appropriate time, it would be managed through the Chamalang development fund.