QUETTA: Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti ruled out the need for a military operation in the province, a day after 21 miners were killed in an attack by armed men on a coal mine in Balochistan’s Duki area. 

He made these remarks on Saturday while talking to reporters at Civil Hospital Quetta, where he visited the injured coal miners.

Meanwhile, a complete strike was observed against the attack in Duki, where labourers also stopped working at coal mines until they were provided security by the state.

While addressing these concerns, CM Bugti said terrorists once again attacked soft targets by killing innocent miners.

Miners stop work at Duki mines ‘until security is ensured’; local jirga, political leaders demand action against attackers

He said a meeting of the provincial apex committee has been called on Oct 15 to review the security plan.

Mr Bugti said the federal government has assured the provincial government of full cooperation in its actions against terrorists.

Mr Bugti said intelligence-based operations were ongoing and that his government would present details about these operations on the floor of the assembly.

The CM said he would willingly tender his resignation if it could eliminate terrorism from Balochistan.

Mr Bugti praised security forces’ operation in Turbat, which led to the recovery of explosives. He vowed to increase financial aid for the heirs of terrorist attack victims.

He noted that six terrorists involved in the killing of former Panjgur deputy commissioner Zakir Baloch had been eliminated.