Home minister says bandits get chance to surrender as police step up crackdown on river
SUGAR:
Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar on Wednesday announced the launch of a major operation against river or katcha bandits and warned that those who refuse to surrender and defy state orders will be eliminated.
Speaking to reporters in Sukkur, Lanjar said that bandits who lay down their arms will be given a chance but strict action will be taken against those who resist.
“A grand operation against katcha bandits has been launched and you can consider it started today,” he said after chairing a review meeting on the law and order situation in the province.
Lanjar arrived in Sukkur earlier in the day where a special police contingent presented a salute at the office of Deputy Inspector General Sukkur.
During the meeting, Inspector General of Police Sindh Javed Alam Odho briefed the minister about ongoing police operations and recent successes against crime. He said police contingents remain active and alert in both katcha and pakka areas where bandit hideouts are being dismantled and facilitators are being brought to justice.
Read: Eight dacoits killed in Ghotki katcha operation, two dozen hostages rescued
“Criminal elements are being pursued through modern technology and intelligence-based operations, while the permanent presence of the police in katcha areas is helping to eradicate crime at its roots,” the IG said.
Lanjar praised the police’s efforts and called it satisfactory and commendable. He stressed the need for a coordinated strategy to eliminate crime across the province and said operations against bandits and their facilitators would be further intensified.
“Those challenging the state summons will be dealt with firmly. All resources will be used to maintain law and order and no negligence in protecting public life and property will be tolerated,” he said.
Responding to a question, the home minister said there was no need to call in the army at the moment as the Sindh police were capable of handling the operation. He added that Rangers were already deployed and expressed hope that the bandits would be completely eradicated.
Read more: 50 ‘katcha dacoits’ to surrender in Sindh
In October, at least 50 wanted dacoits surrendered their weapons under a new policy introduced by the Sindh government as part of efforts to restore peace in the long-restless katcha areas. Under the voluntary surrender arrangement, the outlaws agreed to give up criminal activities, marking what officials described as a turning point for a region long plagued by fear, crime and lawlessness.
