File photo of gunship helicopters. PHOTO: ISPR
A curfew in Kacha Jamal was extended on Thursday with army gunships intermittently pounding positions of three remaining gangs residing in the riverine area of Rajanpur.
As the operation, codenamed Zarb-e-Ahan, continued against criminal gangs in the area for the 24th day, three groups including the Umrani, Sikhani and Pallu gangs exchanged fire with the military. In response, the army used helicopter gunships to strike at the gangs, destroying a bunker.
Half of Rajanpur's riverine area cleared
However, the Umrani gang – the largest of the remaining gangs in the area – may surrender with reports suggesting that talks were being mediated with the gang’s leader.
According to sources, there has been indirect dialogue with Abdullah Put, leader of the Umrani gang, over his possible surrender.
Rajanpur operation: Army to eliminate all no-go areas nationwide
Meanwhile, a five-member joint investigation team has been formed to grill 13 hardened criminals of the infamous Chottu gang. The team will be led by Dera Ghazi Khan DPO Captain (retired) Ata Muhammad and will include two members of security agencies in addition to Bahawalpur CTD District Officer DSP Aftabullah and SHO Bangla Ichcha Pervaiz Akhtar. The team will investigate cases registered against the Chottu gang and file a report.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 22nd, 2016.
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