🇵🇰 Eleven policemen martyred in attack by dacoits in Rahim Yar Khan’s Machka area

[ghazi]

[H3]Eleven policemen martyred in attack by dacoits in Rahim Yar Khan’s Machka area[/H3]
BR Web Desk | AFP
August 22, 2024

At least 11 police officers were martyred and seven injured when dacoits attacked two police vehicles with rockets in the riverine area of Rahim Yar Khan’s Machka.

According to a Punjab police statement, two police vans were returning from their weekly assignments in the riverine Machaka district of Rahim Yar Khan when one of them experienced a failure.

“The bandits attacked the vehicles with rocket launchers after one of the vehicles in the convoy broke down,” said a statement from the inspector general’s office in Punjab.

“At least 9 policemen were martyred in the attack, while several policemen injured.”

Organised criminal gangs have been active in the riverine border areas of Sindh and Punjab provinces for decades, often making money through kidnap-for-ransom assaults.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered “immediate and effective action” against the attackers, his office said in a statement.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz denounced the incident and promised that it would not go “unavenged.”

She said officials were sent out with “clear directions to sort them out decisively.”

“The selflessness of law enforcement officers will never be forgotten,” she declared, instructing the relevant authorities to move quickly to locate any missing officers.

Federal interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, condemned the act and expressed his deep sorrow over the “martyrdom of the 11 police officers”.

In May, two notorious dacoits were killed in fierce clash between forces and a gang of katcha area in joint operation of police and Ranges on Sindh-Punjab boarder.

Source:
11 policemen martyred in attack by dacoits in Rahim Yar Khan’s Machka area

 

[ghazi]

[H3]Punjab offers Rs10m bounties for Kacha dacoits as Rahim Yar Khan toll hits 12[/H3]
Provincial govt replaces top police command in the district following deadly attack

Mohammad Shehzad
August 23, 2024

Punjab offers Rs10m bounties for Kacha dacoits as Rahim Yar Khan toll hits 12

LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced bounties of up to Rs10 million on the heads of the most dangerous kacha dacoits in an effort to eliminate the persistent threat posed by these criminals.

According to a government notification issued on Friday, high-value targets are subject to a Rs10 million bounty, while Rs5 million and Rs2.5 million rewards are being offered for other dangerous bandits in lower categories.

The decision is part of a broader strategy to restore peace in the region, following decades of costly and largely unsuccessful operations against the dacoits.

Meanwhile, in the aftermath of yesterday’s violent incident in which a police van was attacked with rockets, resulting in the deaths of over 12 policemen and multiple injuries, the Punjab government has replaced the top police command in Rahim Yar Khan.

DPO Imran Ahmed Malik, SP Muhammad Javed Akhtar Jatoi, and DSP Kaleem Ahmad have been asked to report to the Central Police Office. Rizwan Omer Gondal, formerly Senior Superintendent of Police at the CTD Punjab in Lahore, has been appointed the new DPO of Rahim Yar Khan. Gondal previously served in the same role and was involved in the most recent joint anti-kacha bandit operation conducted by the Sindh and Punjab police.

Despite spending billions of rupees from the national exchequer since the 1990s, the problem has persisted. Last year, a joint operation by the Sindh and Punjab police was launched, costing over Rs4 billion, yet the issue remains unresolved. Reports indicate that these bandits often disappear when operations begin, only to re-emerge later, often with greater strength.

On Friday, the last rites were performed for police officers killed in a recent attack by the Kacha bandits. The funeral was attended by high-ranking officials, including Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal, and Punjab Inspector General (IG) of Police Dr Usman Anwar.

Addressing those gathered, Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal reaffirmed the government's commitment to pursuing the outlaws.

"The sacrifices of our martyrs will not go in vain," Mengal stated. "The operation against the Kacha bandits will continue until the area is completely rid of these criminals." Mengal assured the public that the government, in collaboration with the police and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), is determined to restore the rule of law in the region.

Following the funeral, Mengal visited the site of the attack and held a meeting to discuss the future course of action. He also visited Sheikh Zayed Hospital in Rahim Yar Khan, where he met with injured police officers, offering support and ensuring they receive the best possible care.

Punjab IG Police Dr Usman Anwar, accompanied by senior officials, visited the injured officers and praised the bravery and sacrifices of the Punjab Police. He highlighted that the police force has consistently faced challenges from terrorists, bandits, and other criminals in the Kacha area and border posts. Dr Anwar assured the injured officers of the government's full support, pledging that operations would continue until the region is secured.

The operation against the Kacha bandits has been ongoing for several months, with bandits frequently targeting law enforcement personnel. The dense forests and riverine belts of the Kacha area provide natural hideouts for the bandits, making operations challenging. Nonetheless, the government remains committed to eradicating these criminals.

In response to the recent attack, the Punjab Government has deployed fresh contingents of CTD and police to the Kacha area with orders to intensify the operation. The government is also considering deploying advanced technology and additional resources to support the ongoing efforts.

 

[Lulldapull]

The problem here is the Wadera/ Sardar appeasement culture of our establishment. This is a carry over from colonial times this chutiya culture of not trying to intervene and bringing these tribals into the modern world. It's a failure this hands off approach. It's not the army's fault that we have this failed policy. Don't blame our army guys.....Army is not responsible for this nonsense. Our army is abused like a stupid chowkidaar sentry and made a patsy every time for the failure of our establishments colonial era failed policies.

Tribal insurgents, Daaku, Street thugs, Mafia's operating all over the country today are the result of failed establishment policies and lack of proper governance.