Sindh's Interior Minister, Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, has declared the start of a significant and decisive operation targeting criminal gangs operating in the riverine areas of the province. He issued a stern warning on Wednesday, stating that bandits who defy the state's authority and refuse to surrender will face elimination.
One Final Chance for Surrender
Speaking to the media in Sukkur, Minister Lanjar outlined the government's stance. He declared that bandits who voluntarily lay down their arms will be given a single opportunity to reintegrate. However, he made it clear that there would be no leniency for those who choose to resist. "A grand operation against katcha bandits has been launched, and you can consider it to have started today," Lanjar stated firmly after leading a high-level review meeting on law and order.
Police Strategy and Recent Successes
The minister's announcement followed a detailed briefing from Sindh Inspector General of Police, Javed Alam Odho. The IG informed the minister about ongoing police actions and recent achievements in combating crime. He emphasized that police forces are maintaining a vigilant and active presence in both katcha (riverine) and pakka (settled) areas.
Criminal hideouts are being systematically dismantled, and individuals facilitating the bandits are being apprehended. IG Odho highlighted the use of modern technology and intelligence-based operations to pursue criminal elements. He added that establishing a permanent police footprint in the katcha regions is a key strategy to eradicate crime at its source.
No Army Call-Up, Police and Rangers Deployed
In response to questions, Interior Minister Lanjar expressed confidence in the capacity of the Sindh Police to handle the situation. He stated that there is currently no need to involve the military, as the police force is fully capable. He noted that Rangers are already deployed in support of the operation and expressed optimism that the bandit menace would be completely wiped out.
Lanjar commended the police's performance, describing it as satisfactory and worthy of praise. He stressed the importance of a coordinated provincial strategy to eliminate crime. "Those challenging the writ of the state will be dealt with firmly," he asserted. All state resources are being mobilized to uphold law and order, and no negligence in safeguarding public lives and property will be tolerated, the minister vowed.
This new crackdown follows a voluntary surrender scheme initiated by the Sindh government in October last year, which saw at least 50 wanted dacoits turn in their weapons. Officials had hailed that initiative as a potential turning point for the troubled riverine belt.
