On May 01, along with the rest of people around the globe, Afghans also celebrated the International Labor Day by staging a protest in several cities, including Kabul. Protestors asked the government to pay attention to grave situation of Afghan labors. They also asked the upcoming president to prioritize job creation and employment increase on his agenda.
Just a day before when people celebrated the day, 16 people lost their lives in a tragic incident in a coal mine in Darre Yousuf district of Samangan province. Based on reports, the incident took place due to substandard mining and inconsideration of due caution. As a result, the level of Methane gas rose and led to an explosion. The death of 16 laborers has been confirmed but still there is doubt about others stuck in the mine. However, local officials have said two individuals stuck while a local newspaper has put the figure to twenty people.
In addition, based on statements of police as well as ministry of mining and industries, previously the mine was sealed down and its owner agreed to stop extraction. Though, the all mines and other underground natural resources belong to government but due to lack of law enforcement, warlords and powerful people have been engaged in seizing public properties. After the incident, local officials confirmed that there are more than hundred coal mines which are under the control of warlords and other influential individuals. Perhaps, some of those influential people use their power linkage within the system to get rid of law’s hold. The mine where the incident took place was also one of those mines which are controlled by local influential figure. However, government held measures to seal down those mines which are extracted illegally but similar to anti-Taliban operation after few days when security forces went away, mines were reopened and illegal extractions resumed.
Though police is in search of the owner of the mine and presently criticisms shifted toward warlords but mines under control of the government seemingly are not far better. Six months ago, an incident in a mine under the control of government at the same province killed 27 people and wounded 30 others. Thus, it is the responsibility of mining ministry to enhance the safety level in mines and also seal down those extracted illegally. After sealing, local officials should monitor and do not allow mines to be reopened. Otherwise, similar tragic incidents continue to occur.