ISLAMABAD: The Sindh administration announced on Wednesday it was launching a “massive operation” against the infamous decoits operating in the marshy area along the Indus River, which has long been a sanctuary to heavily armed criminal gangs involved in kidnappings, extortion and violent assaults on travelers and law enforcement.
The riverine belt, known as the Katcha, has dense vegetation and rugged terrain that spans parts of northern Sindh and southern Punjab. The area has been home to gangs that kidnap truckers and commuters for ransom, using the difficult terrain to evade capture.
Authorities have periodically launched operations and joint crackdowns with Punjab police and Rangers to reclaim the territory and establish their writ, but the outlaw presence has persisted.
Speaking in Sukkur to a group of journalists, Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar said the crackdown this time would be resolute.
“We are going toward a massive operation,” he said. “Whatever resources we have, we are going to use them.”
“It will be a targeted operation against high-profile decoits who are also visible on social media,” he added. “They will face ruthless action.”
Lanjar said the authorities would not spare anyone who resisted, though those who surrendered under due process would be given a legal opportunity.
He emphasized that absconders and criminals would face stern action and expressed confidence in the Sindh Police’s capabilities, saying they had the support of the Rangers.
When asked about the timing and whether the administration would provide necessary equipment, including drones and armored personnel carriers to the police, he said: “We will provide all necessary equipment needed to carry out this operation. Consider it started as of today.”
Lanjar also said the Sindh government would seek help from neighboring Punjab if needed.
Last month, police rescued about a dozen bus passengers after they were abducted by a gang of Katcha dacoits from a highway near the Sindh-Balochistan border.
The incident highlighted the ongoing threat posed by these criminal groups along major transport routes.
