The families of Hazara coal miners, who were killed yesterday, have staged a sit-in protest along with the dead bodies on western bypass in Quetta. They have refused to bury the bodies until swift action is taken against the attackers by the authorities.
According to details, the victim families, including women and children, are staging the protest in the freezing temperatures of Quetta, blocking a major highway. A Shia organisation, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslameen has also joined the protest.
11 coal miners were killed, and four others were injured in Geshteri area of Mach by armed assailants on Sunday. The victims belong to Hazara community, a religious and ethnic minority settled in Quetta.
The so-called Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack through its Amaaq news agency.
Earlier, the authorities had announced that the funerals will be held today, and the bodies will be buried. However, now the families have refused to bury the dead bodies until formation of an independent commission by the Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan to investigate the incident.
On other hand, the attack was strongly condemned by Baloch leaders including Akhter Mengal, Bashir Zeb Baloch and political parties, Baloch Students Organisation – Azad and Baloch National Movement.
Following the brutal killings, protests are being held in several parts of the country. In Karachi, a protest rally was held, while a demonstration was held at the exhibition square and candles were lit in Multan.