Chhotu says ‘no negotiations’

LAHORE: Going back on his words, Ghulam Rasool alias Chhotu, who had previously committed to surrender before the army, has now refused to go for any negotiation, saying he is going to fight till death.

While talking to this scribe, Chhotu confessed having committing countless crimes besides fighting against the corrupt policing system which forced him to indulge in such activities.

Chhotu told The News that he is accompanied by 185 friends, 35 women and 45 children. "We have no food to feed our children dying with hunger. Our two companions and two children were killed today in shelling by a helicopter. I am not a terrorist or Indian agent. How can we surrender while our enemies are walking with the police hand in hand? We have enmity with some of the tribes like Umrani, Mamjhani, Rohani, Kosh, Bangiani, Bakhrani, etc. Umranis and Madhanis have occupied our land."

The IGP office spokesperson told The News Chottu is a hardcore criminal challenging the writ of the state and is claiming children’s death in aerial strike to get sympathy and raise hue and cry about the operation. She also rejected Chhotu's claim of police backing his enemies. 

While sources privy to the developments believe that Chhotu’s decision to reject surrender is a result of his support among closely-knit Sardars and others in the power corridors. This has pushed Chhotu into the grave he dug for himself where he fears death either way.

Sources in Chhuto’s clan claimed that his friends include Mohajirs of Karachi, Khosas from DG Khan, and Pathans from other areas. Sheikh Asad, Sub Inspector of Layyah, who was kidnapped by Chhuto along his other colleagues, also talked to this scribe on phone.

Chhuto allowed him to talk to this scribe. He said "The government must do something for us. It should negotiate with Chhuto otherwise all the policemen would by killed by the shelling of helicopters. We want to go back and live with our families. I fear that I and other hostages will be killed due to the poor strategy of our officers.”  

He says “We are accessible to media which is talking to us on daily basis. But the government and Punjab Police have not contacted for negotiation.” The IGP's spokesperson said: “Our top priority is get the hostage police officials recovered. “However, I cannot share the strategy due to sensitivity of issue. Disclosure may risk their lives that are precious for us.”