Following the violent shooting of 21 miners in Duki, Balochistan, coal miners in the region have gone on strike in protest. Such protest emphasizes the fundamental concern of miners that their safety and security will be in jeopardy while working in such dangerous areas.
A scuffle with the Police
The protesting miners are demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible for the killings. They have pointed out that they will remain defiant until proper measures to protect their lives are available. One of the miners stated:
“Our sweat has to be guarded, and work will remain suspended until order and safety are on our side.”
Government Response
Following this unfortunate occurrence, the Balochistan government has undertaken a search operation to find the culprits responsible for the attack. Executive departments’ agents perceive this measure as a means of trying to reassure the workers impacted that their security is part of their considerations. However, the measures still need to be evaluated in terms of their impact.
Previous Incidents
It is not the first time that the miners in the Province of Balochistan have sustained violence. When Duki, Mach, and other places crusaded forth, striking out at the coal workforce, such incidences continued to reoccur. Despite the ongoing assaults, the labourers in this region endure these unfriendly circumstances.
Relevance of Miners’ Security
The protection of miners is essential for their safety and the recovery and development of the mining sector. Not addressing workers’ safety concerns endangers their lives and affects the socio-economic boundaries of the region.
The tragic incident that occurred in Duki has stressed the importance of miners’ lives and the need for safety measures. Duki is one of the safest places to mine. It is, therefore, imperative that the government and relevant authorities act. Other conforming measures must be put in place to ensure that such incidents do not occur and that the rights of the miners, as well as their safety, are not put at risk.
