Over 260 bandits ‘ready’ to surrender in Katcha areas amid floods

KARACHI: More than 260 bandits operating in the riverine (katcha) areas along the Indus River have contacted police and expressed willingness to surrender, provided the government facilitates their reintegration into society.

According to Dawn, the recent floods in the riverine areas were a major factor behind the outlaws’ desire to lay down arms.

The matter was discussed in the inaugural meeting of the Katcha Areas Monitoring Committee (KAMC), which reviewed the ongoing operation against criminal, the overall security situation, and the provincial government’s strategy.

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According to sources, Larkana police have informed senior officials that over 260 outlaws wanted to surrender due to the looming flood threat in the riverine belt.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, who chaired the KAMC meeting, said that the process of surrender would strictly follow the law.

“There is already a legal framework on how the government deals with those who wish to surrender,” he said, adding that the Sindh government was “serious and determined” to eliminate bandit gangs in the katcha areas.

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However, he stressed that any group or individual surrendering peacefully must do so strictly under existing legal provisions.

Plan under consideration to ensure surrender

Officials are reportedly working on a plan for those willing to lay down arms, while hardened criminals involved in serious offences such as murder and kidnapping for ransom are likely to face stern action.

Sources said proposals were also being considered to encourage bandits and their facilitators in riverine areas to surrender, provided they hand over their modern weapons unconditionally.

A report on the matter has been submitted to the provincial government, which is examining the legal aspects of dealing with hardened criminals involved in heinous crimes.

Some law enforcement agencies are reportedly weighing the option of granting general amnesty to outlaws willing to surrender.

However, the provincial government is said to be reluctant to extend leniency to hardened criminals accused of multiple murders and kidnappings for ransom.