Security beefed up after labourers killing
Caretaker Balochistan Chief Minister Ali Mardan Domki on Monday urged the police and law enforcement agencies to enhance security planning, adopt effective strategies to prevent incidents like the recent tragic killing of six labourers.
CM Domki chaired a high level meeting in Turbat regarding the incident. Caretaker Balochistan Home Minister Captain (R) Zubair Jamali and all senior administration and security officials participated in the meeting.
The meeting reviewed the security of labourers, contractors, and officials engaged in the ongoing development projects in district Kech. During a comprehensive briefing on the Turbat incident, the CM was apprised of the measures taken to restore peace.
The ongoing profiling of non-local workers in Turbat and its vicinity was highlighted, with private and public construction companies and contractors receiving directives to comply. The meeting also provided an update on the significant progress in the tragic murder’s joint investigation.
The CM expressed his deep concern over the distressing incident, stating the imperative need to bring the culprits to justice.
Domki ordered the deployment of police and levies personnel in the area and enhancing their professional capabilities to ensure lasting peace.
The chief minister directed the improvement of snap-checking procedures and the establishment of a control room for continuous monitoring. He stressed that ongoing development projects must not be adversely affected, emphasising the unwavering commitment of the state to uphold its authority and deal sternly with criminal elements. The caretaker chief minister issued instructions to the Kich deputy commissioner to promptly facilitate compensation to the victims of the incident.
Earlier, gunmen killed six construction workers and injured two others in a pre-dawn attack on their camp near Turbat, in Balochistan’s Kech district, on October 14.
Police sources said the labourers were sleeping in an under-construction house when it was stormed by the assailants.
According to the sources, all six labourers were pronounced dead at the scene, while the injured were swiftly transported to the district headquarters hospital in Turbat for urgent medical attention.
In response to the incident, an emergency was declared at the hospital in order to provide immediate treatment to the wounded individuals. The attackers had fled the scene after the incident.
Law enforcement promptly arrived at the house and launched an investigation. "It appears that this was a targeted attack," a senior police officer told The Express Tribune via telephone.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 24th, 2023.