Miscreants in Katcha area have links with TTP: Punjab IG

Amid ongoing operation in Katcha Rajwani area in Sadiqabad district, the Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Dr Usman Anwar has revealed that miscreants and criminals in the area are collaborating with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to disrupt peace, Express News reported.

According to him, the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) has confirmed that phone calls made in the area are linked to the TTP. He disclosed that an area covering 23,000 acres has been cleared, pointing out that "the enemy is more trained than the terrorists".

The Punjab IGP said that the dacoits keep changing their hideouts and post their videos on social media.

He also announced plans to build schools and dispensaries in the Katcha area, which has been under attack by dacoits who use rocket launchers against police force.

Read more: Cops ordered to intensify action in Kacha area

He said that road construction would begin once allowed by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

He assured that terrorists, kidnappers, and extortionists will be apprehended, and many gangs have contacted the police, indicating their willingness to surrender their weapons.

According to the IGP, the fertile area from where rockets were fired has been cleared, and the supply of weapons has been cut off. "11,000 police officers are taking part in the operation to clear no-go areas and dozens of check posts have been established on permanent basis," he added.

He maintained that the law enforcement agencies have regain access to the "no-go areas".