Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar visited the embankment established in the riverine (katcha) area of Ronti in Ghotki, as well as the Khambhra Camp in Punjab, where he reviewed security arrangements and the overall law and order situation in the district. IGP Sindh Javed Alam Odho accompanied him on the visit. During a comprehensive briefing on the ongoing massive operation “Nijat Mehran” in the riverine belt, DIG Nasir Aftab and Brigadier Nadeem (Sindh Rangers) informed the Home Minister about the operation’s objectives, strategy, progress, and challenges. They also highlighted the use of modern technology, drone surveillance, and intelligence-based operations.
The Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar made it clear that there would be no space for those challenging the writ of the state. He stated that anyone who refuses to surrender will not escape the law and will be eliminated, while those who surrender will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. He once again offered criminal elements the opportunity to lay down their arms and submit to the authorities, warning that otherwise they should be prepared for strict action. He announced that a major surprise would soon be given to the dacoits and that the provision of modern weapons, advanced drones, and other equipment would begin shortly. He directed authorities to demolish the hideouts of criminals and take stern action against their facilitators.
He further stated that the mega operation “Nijat Mehran” would continue with full force until the complete restoration of the state’s writ in the riverine areas, and that the Government of Sindh is determined to continue action until the last dacoit is eliminated. He added that, except for two locations, most riverine areas have been cleared. Appreciating the high morale and bravery of Sindh Police and Rangers personnel, he termed the forward movement towards advanced positions a significant and decisive step. The Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar said that the vision of President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari for restoring peace in the riverine areas will be fulfilled. He also noted that Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah is providing full support to Sindh Police in the mega operation. Briefing the Home Minister, DIG Nasir Aftab stated that since the launch of the riverine operation, a total of 27 dacoits have been killed and 82 injured across Sukkur and Larkana ranges. In these two police ranges, 78 dacoits have been arrested, while 152 have surrendered. During the operations, 17 kidnapped persons were recovered and 87 modern weapons were seized.
In Sukkur Range, 20 dacoits have been killed and 62 injured so far, with 11 of the fatalities recorded in police encounters in District Sukkur alone. Police arrested 41 dacoits, while 88 surrendered-50 of them from District Ghotki. During the operation, 9 kidnapped persons were recovered and 55 modern weapons were taken into custody. In Larkana Range, 7 dacoits were killed and 20 injured, while operations continue vigorously in Shikarpur and Kashmore districts. Across the range, 37 dacoits were arrested and 64 surrendered before the law. Eight kidnapped persons were safely recovered and 32 different types of weapons were seized.
On the occasion, IGP Sindh Javed Alam Odho stated that the mega operation in the riverine areas will continue until crime is completely eradicated. He added that the police are conducting operations based on modern strategy and intelligence, the command and control system in the districts has been further strengthened, and a sustained and effective police presence in the riverine belt is being ensured. The Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar reaffirmed that indiscriminate action against criminal elements will continue and that protecting the lives and property of citizens remains the government’s top priority. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of Sindh Police and assured that the government will continue to provide all necessary resources to the force.