Khewra Salt Mines
Discovery of the mine
It is said that when Alexander visited South Asia, coming across the Jhelum and Mianwali region, Khewra Salt Mines were discovered. The discovery of the mines, however, was not made by Alexander nor his “allies”, but by his horse. It is stated that when Alexander’s army stopped here for rest, the horses started licking the stones. One of his soldiers took notice of it and when he tasted the rock stone, it was salty thus leading to the discovery of the mines.
Afterwards this mine was wholly purchased by a local Raja and from that era to Independence of Pakistan this mine remained property of locally living Janjua Rajas who were sons of Raja Mal.
They are linked to the nearest place called Malot Fort constructed by Raja Mal Janjua.
Tunnels Design
The current design of the tunnels inside the Mines was prepared by Chaudhry Niaz Ali Khan, a civil engineer.
Miners Resistance to the British
In March 1849, the British captured the salt mines and a resistance movement began against the poor conditions and prices imposed upon the miners.
From 184962 there were strikes which were heavily suppressed and in 1872, new methods of measurement and pricing were introduced which increased workload. Mines were locked so miners couldn’t leave without fulfilling their quotas. Men, women and children all worked in the mines and some children were even born in the mines due to the conditions imposed.
Further strikes were carried out by the workers from 187276. This time, the Chief mine engineer Dr. Warth got Delhi Head Office Collecter H.Wright to bring in British soldiers. Twelve of the workers representatives were shot at the front of the mines. Their names were:
Abdullah
Mohammad Sardar
Mohammad Hassan
Nawab
Allah Baksh
Khuda Baksh
Mohammad Abdulla
Jawaia
Paira
Mohammad Wahid
Their graves are outside the middle gates of the mines.
West Pakistan Salt Miners Labor Union
More recently the miners won an important environmental case against the mining company for the provision of unpolluted drinking water. This case is internationally recognised as important in showing the relationship between the environment and humanity.
References
^ http://jeddojuhd.com/mag_2008/May/15_21_may/08-09_1.jpg Khewras Mine Workers Struggle and May Day, Jeddojehed Magazine, Pakistan Labour Party – accessed 29/08/08
^ http://jeddojuhd.com/mag_2008/May/15_21_may/08-09_2.jpg Khewras Mine Workers Struggle and May Day, Jeddojehed Magazine, Pakistan Labour Party – accessed 29/08/08
^ General Secretary, West Pakistan Salt Miners Labor Union Khewra, Jhelum v. The Director, Industries and Mineral Development, Punjab, Lahora, Human Rights Case No. 120 of 1993, (1994) S.C.M.R. at 2061.
^ http://www.unescap.org/drpad/vc/document/compendium/pk1.htm UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
^ http://www.unhchr.ch/environment/bp4.html UNHCR paper on Human Rights and the environment
See also
Himalayan salt
External links
“Khewra Salt Mines”, Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation
v d e
Punjab Geography
Beas Chenab Chhachh Cholistan Doaba Ganji Bar Hakra Sindh Jhelum Kachhi Kallar Kahar Khewra Salt Mines Kirana Bar Kirana Mountain Range Majha Malwa Margalla Hills Murree Neeli Bar Pothohar Plateau Powadh Ravi Salt Range Sandal Bar Shiwalik Mountain Range Soon Sakesar Suleman Mountain Range Satluj Thal Trimmu Headworks
Categories: Jhelum District | Salt minesHidden categories: Pakistan articles missing geocoordinate data | All articles needing coordinates
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