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The law and order situation in different parts of Sindh has rapidly deteriorated as criminals are being patronized by influential feudal lords and local politicians. There are increasing calls for launching a grand operation to cleanse the area of dacoits, who not only spread fear but are also responsible for extremism in the region.
The Sindh Police has launched an operation in district Shikarpur to free hostages kidnapped by the bandits. However, the police were no match as the criminals have far more sophisticated weapons and machinery. The bullets fired by the bandits were powerful enough to penetrate an armoured vehicle, resulting in the death of two policemen. The criminals have modern machinery including anti-aircraft guns while the police have to rely on traditional weapons. The police fought back killing eight bandits but have a long way to go.
The government of Sindh has failed to take action against hardened criminals in the region. Many districts in upper Sindh particularly Shikarpur, Kashmore, Kandhkot and Larkana have become notorious as dens of outlaws usually supported by tribal chiefs and local politicians. Just weeks ago, nine people were brazenly killed in a clash between Chachar and Sabzoi tribes in Kashmore. Such incidents have become the norm, resulting in the loss of several lives due to tribal enmity.
In 2019, a report by SSP Shikarpur accused Sindh minister Imtiaz Shaikh of sheltering criminals and using a “criminal wing” to create panic in society. Police had formed a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe the allegations but no headway was made and the police officers were transferred. The lack of action emboldened the criminals and their sponsors who are considered untouchable against the law.
It is certain the police will be unable to handle a grand operation against the criminals to restore the law and order situation. There should be a Karachi-style operation handled by the Rangers or the military. There should also be an investigation on how criminals manage to get hold of such sophisticated weapons which even the police cannot match. It is also imperative that action should be taken against their patrons or else the law and order situation will worsen and hamper the region’s development.
