Attacks on law enforcers: Sindh govt imposes ban on pillion riding
Police officials told to be more vigilant of their security following the two attacks on Saturday.
Police officials told to be more vigilant of their security following the two attacks on Saturday. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
KARACHI:
A day after six policemen were killed in two coordinated attacks, the Sindh government imposed a month-long ban on pillion riding across the city from Sunday onwards.
Two ASIs, one head constable and three constables died on the spot while a sub-inspector was wounded in two back-to-back attacks on police mobile vans on Saturday night in the Landhi neighbourhood. The first van to come under attack was of the Quick Response Force, stationed at the corner of the street to guard Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi Chief Afaq Ahmed’s house in Landhi No. 6. The second van belonged to the Landhi police station.
The deceased policemen’s funeral prayers were offered at the Garden Police Headquarters, attended by the victims’ families, relatives, friends, comrades, and senior police officers. The bodies of three policemen - Asif Ali, Khalil Ahmed and Fida Hussain - were sent to their hometowns for burial while the remaining three were laid to rest in the Maula Madad graveyard in Quaidabad’s Sherpao Colony.
According to the initial investigation report, at least six armed motorcyclists were behind the back-to-back attacks. The assailants used hand grenades and also fired around two dozen bullets from a 9mm pistols. The police department has also offered a reward of Rs5 million to anyone who comes forward with information leading to the people behind the attack, assuring that the identity of the informant would be concealed.
No breakthrough
Although the law enforcement agencies claimed to have apprehended around a hundred suspects, including members of banned outfits and political groups, in their search operation, none of them have provided leads.
“Our raids will continue until we finally arrest the men behind the attacks on our men,” Landhi division SP Faisal Noor told The Express Tribune.
“Right now we are not sure about the involvement of any banned outfit but based on the previous attacks on law enforcers, we cannot rule out the possibility,” said DSP Mushtaq Tanoli.
According to the injured police inspector Shahzado, who has been released from the hospital, the attack took place while they were on their way to a nearby hospital for his treatment. “We were caught off guard and didn’t even have time to retaliate.”
The police have registered cases against unidentified persons on behalf of the state.
Safety measures
In view of the law and order situation of the city, a one-month ban has been imposed on pillion riding in Karachi which was implemented from Sunday night. Women, senior citizens, journalists, disabled persons, children and law enforcement agencies, however, have been exempted from the ban.
Confirming the ban, advisor to home department, Sharfuddin Memon, said that the ban may be lifted earlier if the situation improves.
Police stations across the city have been advised to keep a watchful eye on entrances to the station.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2014.
A day after six policemen were killed in two coordinated attacks, the Sindh government imposed a month-long ban on pillion riding across the city from Sunday onwards.
Two ASIs, one head constable and three constables died on the spot while a sub-inspector was wounded in two back-to-back attacks on police mobile vans on Saturday night in the Landhi neighbourhood. The first van to come under attack was of the Quick Response Force, stationed at the corner of the street to guard Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi Chief Afaq Ahmed’s house in Landhi No. 6. The second van belonged to the Landhi police station.
The deceased policemen’s funeral prayers were offered at the Garden Police Headquarters, attended by the victims’ families, relatives, friends, comrades, and senior police officers. The bodies of three policemen - Asif Ali, Khalil Ahmed and Fida Hussain - were sent to their hometowns for burial while the remaining three were laid to rest in the Maula Madad graveyard in Quaidabad’s Sherpao Colony.
According to the initial investigation report, at least six armed motorcyclists were behind the back-to-back attacks. The assailants used hand grenades and also fired around two dozen bullets from a 9mm pistols. The police department has also offered a reward of Rs5 million to anyone who comes forward with information leading to the people behind the attack, assuring that the identity of the informant would be concealed.
No breakthrough
Although the law enforcement agencies claimed to have apprehended around a hundred suspects, including members of banned outfits and political groups, in their search operation, none of them have provided leads.
“Our raids will continue until we finally arrest the men behind the attacks on our men,” Landhi division SP Faisal Noor told The Express Tribune.
“Right now we are not sure about the involvement of any banned outfit but based on the previous attacks on law enforcers, we cannot rule out the possibility,” said DSP Mushtaq Tanoli.
According to the injured police inspector Shahzado, who has been released from the hospital, the attack took place while they were on their way to a nearby hospital for his treatment. “We were caught off guard and didn’t even have time to retaliate.”
The police have registered cases against unidentified persons on behalf of the state.
Safety measures
In view of the law and order situation of the city, a one-month ban has been imposed on pillion riding in Karachi which was implemented from Sunday night. Women, senior citizens, journalists, disabled persons, children and law enforcement agencies, however, have been exempted from the ban.
Confirming the ban, advisor to home department, Sharfuddin Memon, said that the ban may be lifted earlier if the situation improves.
Police stations across the city have been advised to keep a watchful eye on entrances to the station.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 27th, 2014.