Balochistan CM vows not to spare culprits of Machh tragedy

QUETTA (92 News) - Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan vowed not to spare the culprits, who had killed the coal miners, of Machh tragedy.

He stated while giving assurance to the Hazara community during a meeting in Quetta after his immediate return to country. He also maintained that the victims will definitely get justice.

The chief minister has requested the Hazara protesters to bury the 10 miners that were killed in a targeted attack in Machh on January 3.

"The Balochistan government is responsible for solving your problems because we live here and you are our responsibility. We live here and understand your problems," Jam Kamal said, adding, "The enemy is trying to destroy the peace and We all live and die in this city."

Following to killing of 11 coal miners in Balochistan's Machh, protest of Hazara community continued on the fourth day as the slain relatives refused to bury the coal miners till the visit of Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.

The negotiations between the government and the protestors failed on Wednesday and the members of the Hazara community persistent in saying they would not bury the dead till PM Imran Khan arrives to their camp.

The Hazara protesters have been staging a protest with the bodies of the miners in freezing temperatures on the Western Bypass near Quetta for four days. They said they won't bury the miners till Prime Minister Imran Khan comes to their demonstration and assures them that the culprits will be arrested.

Zaidi met the protesters and assured them that the perpetrators of the Machh tragedy will be caught soon.  However, the families of the deceased refused to end the sit-in and bury the victims of the tragedy, saying they will only end the protest after the prime minister meets them.

Federal minister Ali Zaidi regretted the loss of life in the Machh incident but appealed to the families of the victims to not subject the bodies of the coal miners to any further 'cruelty'.

Yesterday, Sheikh Rasheed, who reached Quetta on a special flight on direction of PM Imran Khan, held a meeting with members of the Hazara community and bereaved families and requested them to bury the dead bodies and assured them that the killers of the Hazara coal miners will be brought to justice.

The minister told protesters that he will arrange a meeting of Hazara community members with Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad in the next three to four days during which they can discuss their issues with the premier directly.

Sheikh Rasheed also announced a compensation of Rs2.5 million for the family of each victim. He said that provincial government will give each family Rs1.5 million, while Rs1 million each will be provided by the centre.