Hanif Tareen, Syed Ali Shah, News Desk:
HARNAI, QUETTA: Three coal miners are still trapped in Balochistan’s Harnai district on Friday. “Fourth night falls, we are still clueless about the trapped miners”, Abdul Ghani, Chief Inspector Mines Balochistan said.
Rescue workers have been making hectic efforts to reduce the trapped miners in the Zarghoon Ghar area of Harnai. At least six coal miners were trapped inside a coal mine after a methane gas blast in a mine. “The miners are trapped 1300 feet deep inside the mine”, Mr. Ghani informed.
Secretary Mines and Minerals Balochistan has issued directives about the closure of coal mine since it was illegally operating, Chief Inspector Mines mentioned. The authorities had closed the coal mine two years back. However, the influential owner with political backing reopened the mine violating the mines and mineral department’s order, he noted.
Rescue operation continues for fourth consecutive day
The rescue operation was under for the fourth consecutive day to rescue trapped miners from the Zarghoon Ghar area of Harnai. “Four rescue teams have been engaged in the operation”, Sardar Rafique Tareen, Deputy Commissioner Harnai said.
Human rights groups and mines labour associations have expressed serious concern over the incident. “We demand registration of FIR against the owner of the mine”, Sultan Muhammad Khan, the Central leader of Balochistan Mines Labour Association said. This year i.e. 2022, coal mines incidents have claimed 39 precious human lives in Balochistan, Mr. Khan said.
Unsafe working conditions claimed thousands of precious human lives
Unsafe working conditions have claimed thousands of precious human lives in Balochistan. Most of the incidents have taken a place in Quetta Sorange, Marwar, Mach, Dukki, Harnai and other areas. “Over 1,50,000 laborers have been working inside coal mines of Balochistan”, Sultan Muhammad Khan informed. He said laborers were from Swat, Shangla, and some parts of Southern Afghanistan.
