Dacoits of northern Sindh moving to kacha areas of Hyderabad

Locals warn of unidentified armed men occupying riverine areas

HYDERABAD:

The notorious gangs of the katcha area of northern Sindh, dreaded for kidnapping for ransom and murders are relocating to Hyderabad, to avoid the heat of operation by the law enforcement agencies.

The revelation was made by residents of Hyderabad's katcha area, Gulzar Palari, Raza Muhammad Malah, and Khan Muhammad Bhangwar, at a press conference at the Hyderabad Press Club.

As a result of the ongoing operation in the katcha areas of upper Sindh, the dacoits hiding in the riverine forests have come down to Hyderabad.

If the Hyderabad police do not take measures in this regard, then the situation in Hyderabad will also become like a Ghotki and it will become difficult for the citizens to leave their homes and move around in markets or got to work.

They said that they are holding the press conference not for personal interests but for the interest of all the citizens of Hyderabad.

Palari said that everyone knows that northern Sindh is in the grip of lawlessness due to powerful gangs of dacoits. Hardly a day passes when innocent children and youth are not kidnapped. No one is safe in Ghotki, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Larkana, and Sukkur.

The plague of dacoits is now spreading from upper Sindh to Hyderabad in south, Mallah said.

Bhangwar said that all of them belong to the katcha areas of Hyderabad. Through this press conference, everyone is being informed that after the operation in northern Sindh, the accused involved in crimes and murder cases belonging have come down south.

He said that none of the local people of kacha know these new neighbours and none dares to ask the armed goons who they are and what they are doing here.

Palari explained that katcha means the dry bed of the river, because it cannot be leased out against a 'paka' paper. Thus, this fertile land is mostly encroached upon by landless farmers and grazers or powerful landlords who bring in their squatters.

Mallah said that day-by-day, theft of motorcycles and incidents of robberies have become normal. Citizens avoid going out at night in the outskirts of Hyderabad. He said that he is sure that if the Hyderabad police do not take any action against these accused, the city will also become a town like Ghotki and it will be difficult for the citizens to come out of their houses. He said that the dacoits come in the guise of farmers and cattle traders. They appealed to the Chief Minister of Sindh, IG Sindh and DG Rangers to carry out strict operations in Hyderabad to arrest the criminals who came out there to save the peace of Hyderabad city.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2024.