Floods and katcha dacoits

Despite years of operations and countless claims of "decisive action", the dacoit menace in Sindh's riverine belt remains as entrenched as ever. It is only after nature unleashed its devastation through the recent floods that these criminals have been compelled to lay down arms and express willingness to surrender. This in itself is a telling indictment of the state's failure that the gangs bowed before floodwaters and not the writ of the state.

The development, discussed during the inaugural meeting of the Katcha Areas Monitoring Committee, offers an opportunity to bring some respite to long-suffering communities. More than 260 dacoits have indicated readiness to surrender - provided they are facilitated in rejoining society. But here lies the danger. A blanket amnesty would not only absolve years of extortion, kidnappings and murders, it would also embolden others to follow the same path in the expectation of eventual pardon. Justice must not be bartered away for expediency.

The provincial government has rightly stated that any surrender must comply strictly with legal protocols. Those guilty of heinous crimes must face trial, while avenues of rehabilitation can be considered only for low-level offenders or those coerced into complicity. Without this distinction, the line between accountability and appeasement blurs. At the same time, policing alone will not resolve what has become a generational problem. The Katcha has for too long remained disconnected and neglected. Joint operations may weaken gangs temporarily, but the absence of resources ensures the cycle of violence is never truly broken.

This moment should not be squandered. The floods may have forced the dacoits' hand, but it is the law that must have the final say. No blanket pardons, no shortcuts - only justice, coupled with development, can deliver lasting peace in the Katcha.