Anti-bandit operation

At least 12 policemen were martyred, six sustained serious injuries and five went missing after kacha bandits attacked their vans with rockets in a riverine area of Punjab's Rahim Yar Khan on Thursday (August 22). It is astonishing to see such organized and well-equipped bandits carrying out attacks on police in the kacha area. The reasons behind their organization, financing, and support can vary. It could be due to involvement in unchecked illegal activities such as smuggling, drug trafficking, or other criminal enterprises that provide them with the resources they need. Additionally, they may have external support from individuals or groups with their own agendas. The success of these bandits also suggests lack of proper intelligence, coordination, or resources on the part of law enforcement. The authorities need to eradicate this menace and it is essential for them to investigate the flaws within the system that allow for incidents like this. An immediate full-fledged military operation to eliminate and uproot these terrorists is arguable the need of the hour.

Air Cdre (r) M Khalid Kamal

Islamabad