Sindh Interior Minister Zia ul Hassan Lanjar has announced a general amnesty for bandits operating in Kacha area.
However, some conflicting reports have appeared in sections of the media about the development.
According to Awaz Tv, a local Sindhi-language news network, the provincial government had offered dacoits in Kacha area an offer to surrender. And announced a general amnesty for them.
But according to Geo Tv, Sindh government will take the operation against bandits in Kacha areas to its logical end. And at the same, it has also offered them a chance to surrender owing to the prevailing flood situation in the province.
Sindh Interior Minister Zia ul Hassan Lanjar made the offer during a media talk on Monday. He said if the dacoits agreed to lay down arms, they will be treated according to law.
Bandits of Kacha:
Pakistan has long been grappling with multiple internal challenges and bandit rule (Daku Raj) is one of them. Bandits operate in parts of northern Sindh and southern Punjab, also known as Kacha area. Over the years, they have taken hold in the riverine belt of the mighty Indus. The area consists of dense forests spread over millions of acres, providing them with shelters and space to hide and operate.
Bandits particularly rule in Kashmore, Ghotki, and Shikarpur districts of Sindh. And in DG Khan, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur districts of Punjab. They involved in kidnapping, extortion and murder, according to police. The recent reports indicated that they also deceive individuals under the guise of romantic or business relations.
Contrary to the Monday’s announcement by the provincial minister, officials say Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has decided to strengthen and expedite the ongoing operation against dacoits in Larkana and Sukkur divisions.
The decision was made in a meeting held a couple of weeks ago to review the law and order situation in the province.
