Interior minister says bandits given one chance to surrender as police intensify riverine crackdown
SUKKUR:
Sindh Interior Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar on Wednesday announced the launch of a major operation against riverine, or katcha, bandits, warning that those who refuse to surrender and challenge the writ of the state will be eliminated.
Speaking to reporters in Sukkur, Lanjar said bandits who lay down their arms would be given one chance, but strict action would be taken against those who resist.
“A grand operation against katcha bandits has been launched, and you can consider it to have started today,” he said after chairing a review meeting on the province’s law and order situation.
Lanjar arrived in Sukkur earlier in the day, where a special police contingent presented a salute at the office of the Deputy Inspector General Sukkur.
During the meeting, Inspector General of Police Sindh Javed Alam Odho briefed the minister on ongoing police operations and recent successes against crime. He said police contingents remain active and alert in both katcha and pakka areas, with bandit hideouts being dismantled and facilitators 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 police in katcha areas is helping to eradicate crime at its roots,” the IG said.
Lanjar praised the police’s performance, calling 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 writ of the state will be dealt with firmly. All resources are being utilised to maintain law and order, and no negligence in protecting the lives and property of the public will be tolerated,” he said.
Responding to a question, the interior minister said there was currently no need to call in the army, as the Sindh Police was 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’ set 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-troubled katcha areas. Under the voluntary surrender scheme, 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.
