Joint operation continues in southern Punjab

ISPR says terrorists, criminals took refuge in riverine area of Rahim Yar Khan and Rojhan because of Zarb-e-Azb in other provinces; provincial govt decides to geo-tag madrasas on sect basis

RAWALPINDI/LAHORE: A joint comprehensive operation continued on Wednesday in southern Punjab against terrorists and criminal elements, in which the army, Rangers and police personnel are participating.

According to the ISPR, terrorists and criminals have taken refuge in parts of southern Punjab — the riverine areas of Rahim Yar Khan and Rojhan – while trying to escape the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb in other provinces of the country.

The Rangers, police and the CTD in collaboration with the army are carrying out operations in the region, as the terrorists have been encircled.On the other hand, military sources say Chief of the Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif wants to root out the terrorists before his retirement in November. That’s the reason why the operation would now be carried out in the Punjab.

According to sources, the intelligence agencies have collected relevant information about the banned outfits and their facilitators, which would be used in the operation.

Meanwhile, the police operation against the Chotu Gang has been expedited in Rojhan’s riverine area. Latest reports suggest that a heavy contingent of police from Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur divisions have sealed Kacha Jamal and Kacha Karachi, as dacoits and policemen are exchanging heavy gunfire in the area.

According to the police sources, four of the Chotu Gang members have been injured in the retaliatory fire and a search operation has been launched to arrest the injured criminals.

The police have also requested the interior ministry for a gunship helicopter. A total of 250 Rangers personnel have so far joined the operation in which, some sources suggest, the army commandoes would also take part.

Separately, the Punjab government has decided to go for geo-tagging madrasas on the basis of sect. The purpose of this exercise is to ascertain which sect has the most madrasas in the province and also district-wise.

Sources say the home department completed the process with the help of Punjab Information Technology Board. The Special Branch and other intelligence were also used.

According to the documents available, the Barelvi sect leads the list in Punjab with 6,610 madrasas, followed by Deobandi (6,115), Ahle-Hadith (843) and Shia (230).

It has also been revealed that the provincial government is also preparing a separate category to determine their affiliation.