Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar on Wednesday announced a grand operation against the dacoits of katcha area, reported.
Addressing a press conference in Sukkur with Sindh IGP Javed Alam Odho sitting beside him, Lanjar said that those dacoits who would surrender would be given a chance to face cases against them, while all those who would not lay down their arms would be eliminated.
He further said that the provincial police were fully capable to take on these robbers and that the Force enjoyed the support of Rangers, adding that the need to call army in these circumstances would not arise.
The minister went on to say that the Sindh Police would be provided with all weapons it would ask for.
He informed that the operation would begin after taking the IGP Punjab and RPO Bahawalpur into confidence.
Lanjar said that he had a discussion with the new IGP on law and order situation in Larkana-Sukkur Range.
He informed that the hideouts of dacoits were being targeted in the katcha areas of Kashmore, Ghotki and Shikarpur.
The minister said that all concerned departments collaborated with the police for the safe release of the passengers of a bus who had been taken hostage recently.
He, however, admitted that more steps needed to be taken to restore peace in the restive areas.
Lanjar said he was optimistic that all dacoits would be killed.
He informed that the government was contacting influentials to resolve tribal disputes.
Lanjar said a meeting was held wherein it was decided that “we are definitely heading towards a massive operation”. “We will use whatever resources we have, with specific targets and take ruthless action against the infamous dacoits that you see on social media,” he added.
Asked when the operation against the riverine dacoits was expected to begin, the minister replied, “You may consider that the operation has begun from today.”
Lanjar said dacoits would be “given a chance” to surrender before the courts. “But the absconders or criminals who consider themselves big champions, strict action will be taken against them, there will be a fight, and they will get their just deserts,” he warned.
The Sindh home minister appreciated the Punjab government for its support in a recent “successful” operation wherein a no-go Katcha area was vacated.
Responding to a question about whether the Army’s help will be sought, Lanjar said “The Sindh police is capable and the Rangers are with us, so I do not think we will need the Army in our internal matters here.”
The minister further asserted that the required modern equipment will be provided to the personnel.
When a reporter mentioned that the dacoits employed drones, Lanjar said, “I do not think drones have reached them. Action is definitely being taken against their facilitators, too.”
On the possibility of a joint operation carried out by the Sindh and Punjab police, Lanjar said he has directed the Sindh inspector general to speak with his Punjab counterpart and the Bahawalpur regional police officer regarding the matter. “This will surely happen only after a joint effort,” he stressed, noting that the area of Machka extends into Punjab. “I have strong hopes that we will wipe out these dacoits,” Lanjar said.
