SHIKARPUR: A total of 72 bandits from the Katcha region officially surrendered their weapons during a ceremony held here on Wednesday, presided over by Sindh’s Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar.
Addressing the gathering, Home Minister Zia Lanjar emphasized that the local population desires peace in the area, and that the region’s inhabitants are eager for the enforcement of law and order. He also mentioned that President Asif Ali Zardari has issued directives aimed at restoring stability and security in the Katcha territory.
Sindh’s Inspector General of Police, Ghulam Nabi Memon, noted that kidnapping-for-ransom and related crimes had been widespread in the area, but significant progress has been made in restoring peace. However, he pointed out that the Katcha region of Ghotki remains to be fully cleared of criminal elements, and that incidents of honey trapping, which began in 2012, continue to pose challenges.
DIG Nasir Aftab highlighted that the Sindh government has introduced a surrender policy for dacoits, under which 282 criminals have chosen to lay down their arms. In the initial phase, 72 outlaws handed over their weapons during today’s event, he added.
He praised the initiative as a positive move that will enable dacoits to reintegrate into mainstream society and alleviate hardships faced by their families. He further disclosed that a total of 209 weapons have been surrendered by the former criminals.
