IG weighs options of kutcha dacoits purge

Stresses on need for planned operation to rescue hostages

KARACHI:

Sindh Inspector General (IG) Ghulam Nabi Memon chaired a meeting to discuss the strategies for tackling the issue of dacoits in the kutcha area of the province.

The meeting focused on devising an extraordinary strategy and implementing a plan of action for confirm success while various issues were deliberated upon, with a keen emphasis on practical and effective measures.

The IG emphasised the importance of technical support from the Citizen-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) for organised operations against dacoits in kutcha areas and safe recovery of hostages. He expressed confidence that the cooperation between police and CPLC would prove instrumental in achieving positive outcomes.

Furthermore, Sindh IG announced the provision of an additional monthly allowance of Rs10,000 to police personnel serving in kutcha areas.

He underscored that this allowance is exclusively for personnel deployed in such areas, cautioning against its misuse by guards or other staff.

The responsibility for ensuring proper disbursement rests with the concerned SSPs, who will be held accountable otherwise.

He highlighted the tactics employed by dacoits to lure innocent citizens through enticing offers via social media. He stressed the need for rigorous efforts by law enforcement agencies to apprehend the perpetrators behind such schemes through robust intelligence gathering.

Memon instructed to enhance the effectiveness of police check posts in rough areas of Sindh and implement foolproof measures, including patrolling and random checks on highways. Additionally, he called for the establishment of a mechanism for constant communication with the families of abductees to facilitate their safe recovery.

Moreover, IG Sindh directed to engage with local communities to closely monitor citizens migrating from Katcha to paved areas.

He emphasised the importance of involving all stakeholders and law enforcement agencies in the efforts against dacoits in Katcha, seeking their valuable input and support.

DIG Sukkur and SSPs from Ghotki, Sukkur, Shikarpur, and Kashmore/Kandhkot were present on the occasion via video links.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 29^th, 2024.