The recent brutal attack by Katcha dacoits in Rahim Yar Khan that resulted in martyrdom of twelve policemen, once again brought lawlessness of the riverine areas straddling Punjab and Sindh into sharp focus. These dacoits, well-armed and brazen, have for years terrorised the local population, operating with impunity in the Katcha region. Despite numerous attempts by law enforcement agencies to rein in their activities, the menace unfortunately persists.
In the wake of this tragedy, governments of Sindh and Punjab have vowed to take decisive action against them. Sindh’s Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar announced a ‘massive clean-up operation’ once the floodwaters recede, while Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif promised a ‘permanent solution’ to the law & order crisis in the region. These declarations, though well-intentioned, must be backed by sustained and effective action if they are to have any lasting impact. The Punjab government’s decision to increase head money for most-wanted dacoits from Rs1 million to Rs10 million is a surprising move.
While this may seem like a bold step, it raises several critical questions. The whereabouts of these criminals are not unknown to law enforcement agencies. Historically, head money is offered for criminals who hide among general public, where chance of a civilian tipping off their location to authorities exists. However, in case of the Katcha dacoits, who operate in isolated and heavily fortified areas, such a strategy seems impractical. Previous collaborative efforts between Punjab and Sindh have failed to cleanse the riverine areas of these dacoits.
This time, the operation must be different — comprehensive, sustained and unyielding until every last dacoit is either apprehended or eliminated. If necessary other law enforcement agencies should also be called to support the operation, ensuring that these criminals find no place to hide. Moreover, arrest of these dacoits could potentially unearth influential networks that have enabled them to operate with such impunity.
These criminals do not act alone, they are often shielded by powerful figures who have a vested interest in maintaining status quo. Exposing and dismantling these networks is crucial to restoring law & order in the Katcha region, as it is a matter of state sovereignty and rule of law. A strong, coordinated response is essential to eliminate the Katcha dacoits once and for all and to restore peace and security to the riverine areas. The people of these areas deserve no less.
