The IG Punjab Police has directed RPO Bahawalpur to immediately launch a grand offensive against the networks of kidnappers taking refuge along the Indus with the coordination of Sindh Police as well as Rangers. Kidnappers have hide-outs close to the bed of the Indus River, adjacent to the Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur districts as well as other areas on the Punjab-Sindh border.
The Regional Police Officer (RPO) Bahawalpur, Syed Muhammad Abid Qadri disclosed that a meeting has been called during which RPO Dera Ghazi Khan, RPO Sukkur and other relevant officials will discuss the strategy to be adopted in the offensive against the criminals, especially those involved in kidnap for ransom.
The lists of high-profile proclaimed offenders (POs) will be shared and intelligence reports received by the police will also be reviewed in the meeting, the RPO said.
The operation is being launched to curb the growing incidence of kidnapping for ransom in Rahim Yar Khan. Police pickets will be established in the Kachcha area, spreading for about 30 km along the Indus River, to check the movement of criminals.
An on-site plan and advance intelligence reports regarding the operation have been prepared but because of the sensitivity of the information and the risk of sounding an alarm for the criminals, the exact date is being kept a secret, Qadri disclosed to The Express Tribune.
He said the specified areas will be cordoned off before the operation and mobile networks will be jammed so that the criminals cannot alert their accomplices.
The RPO has requested the IG to provide a heavy contingent of police and armoured vehicles, bullet-resistant jackets, sophisticated weapons, ammunition, tear gas shells, motor boats, lifesaving jackets, as well as logistic support for the operation.
The police are in contact with locals for information regarding the criminals and have requested the cooperation of influential persons during the operation.
Senator Muhammad Ali Durrani had drawn the attention of Federal Minister for Interior Rehman Malik towards the rising incidence of kidnap for ransom on the Punjab-Sindh border which has created a wave of fear.
The senator also met Talha Mahmood, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on the Interior Ministry, who assured him that the matter would be taken up with the Punjab and Sindh governments.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 9th, 2011.
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