Terrorism and Insecurity in Dukki, Balochistan

Terrorism and Insecurity in Dukki, Balochistan

A recent tragic incident in Dukki, Balochistan, saw the brutal murder of 21 miners, primarily Pakhtuns, by a group of armed men. This attack, which occurred on the night of October 10-11, 2024, involved a raid on the Junaid coal mines, where the assailants not only killed the miners but also set fire to mining equipment. Despite the severity of the situation, local law enforcement, including the Frontier Corps and police, failed to respond during the hour-long assault. This incident highlights the ongoing cycle of violence and neglect faced by the region, where such atrocities quickly fade from public attention.

The frequency of attacks in Dukki has escalated, with reports indicating a rise in extortion and terrorism targeting the mining sector. In 2024 alone, there have been 12 armed attacks on the mines, resulting in 26 fatalities, a stark increase from previous years. Armed groups, particularly the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), are suspected of orchestrating these attacks, often demanding protection money from mine owners. When these demands are not met, miners are abducted or killed, reflecting a broader pattern of violence that extends beyond Dukki to other areas in Balochistan.

Extortion from the mining industry has become a significant source of funding for militant groups like the BLA, which reportedly earns billions annually from these operations. The situation is exacerbated by the apparent impunity with which these groups operate, as mine owners are sometimes instructed to deposit extorted funds into specific bank accounts without fear of repercussions from law enforcement. This has led to widespread dissatisfaction among mine owners, culminating in protests demanding action against extortionists and better security measures.

The responsibility for securing the mines in Dukki is muddled, with police officially tasked with this duty, yet local agreements often place security in the hands of the paramilitary Frontier Corps. This duality has resulted in a lack of effective policing, as the police force in Dukki is severely under-resourced, with only a handful of personnel assigned to the district. The ongoing reliance on temporary police arrangements for years has left miners vulnerable, raising serious concerns about their safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing the rampant violence and extortion in the region.