KARACHI: Sindh police chief Javed Alam Odho on Friday held a media briefing at the Central Police Office Karachi where he spoke about the results achieved during the ongoing intensified operation named “Nijat-e-Mehran” in Kutcha areas of the province.
Odho, along with the additional IG operations, said a full and decisive operation was launched on January 1 to completely establish the state writ and end kidnappings for ransom, dacoit activities and organized crime networks in the riverine areas. The aim of this operation is to transform these “no-go areas” into peaceful and developed regions.
Odho said that under the full patronage of the Sindh government and instructions of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, the Sindh police, Pakistan Rangers and other law enforcement agencies have been working under a joint strategy of coordinated operations.
He said that during the operation, extremely difficult geographical conditions, weather obstacles and criminal elements armed with modern weapons were faced; however, due to the professionalism and determination of the forces, significant successes were achieved. He said that in recent operations, a large number of dangerous and notorious robbers were eliminated, while several criminal elements were arrested in injured condition and many people surrendered to the law.
As a result of 113 police encounters during a month, 27 robbers were killed, 82 were injured and 77 arrests were made, while 123 robbers surrendered before the police while 15 citizens were rescued from the clutches of the kidnappers.
The IGP said the Kutcha areas had long become a hotbed of crime due to kidnappings for ransom, honey traps, tribal conflicts and the presence of illegal weapons. Criminal elements used to call citizens there under various pretexts, take them hostage and demand ransom, which was a major source of supply and use of modern and heavy weapons. He said indiscriminate action will continue against these elements.
He said the presence of criminal networks in the border belt of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan is a major challenge, to deal with which inter-provincial cooperation is being further strengthened. In this regard, coordinated contacts have been established with the Punjab police and other security agencies, while aerial surveillance and modern surveillance systems are also being expanded.
The IGP said that after the establishment of peace in the Kutcha areas, steps will be taken with the cooperation of the Sindh government to restore economic, agricultural, educational and social activities. He added that a strategy is being prepared to establish schools in these areas, launch development projects and provide facilities to welfare institutions so that the local population can achieve long-term stability.
He said the Sindh police attach great importance to public cooperation and the role of local elders and dignitaries, and several tribal and social figures have played a positive role in eliminating crime. He warned that no individual or group will be allowed to support criminal elements. And those who break the law will be dealt with iron hands.
IGP Odho paid tribute to the courage and bravery of the officers and men of the Sindh police, Rangers, and federal and provincial institutions and forces, saying that they have made exemplary sacrifices in the performance of their national duty.
Odho appreciated the role of the media and said public awareness and positive reporting are of utmost importance in the fight against crime and effective results can be achieved only with the support of the media.
