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