Larkana Division police rewarded for action against riverine dacoits

KARACHI: An award and certificate distribution ceremony was held at the Saleem Wahidi Auditorium, Driving Licence Branch, Clifton, on Thursday to honour the Ghazi police officers and youths who took action against criminal gangs in the riverine areas of Larkana Division’s Kashmore and Shikarpur districts.

Sindh police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon, who was the special guest, handed over CC1 commendation certificates, basic salaries and cash prizes to 91 police officials.

“I believe if the number of those receiving the award today is 90, tomorrow it will reach 900,” said IG Memon. “I hope Larkana Division will always keep the Sindh police’s head held high, and will add more to their name and prestige.”

He said that under the leadership of Larkana Range DIG Nasir Aftab, SP Shahzeb Chachar in District Shikarpur and SP Zubair Nazir in District Kashmore showed exceptional performance against crime. “For that I’m grateful to them.”

He also said the award ceremony was due to the martyrs. “The Sindh police are known for their bravery. I’m also thankful to the Sindh government for taking special care of policemen through these events, and increasing the funds allocated for policemen and martyrs’ families.”

Memon said people’s protection is their first priority, and friendship with people is the second priority, but protecting people’s lives and properties is the Sindh police’s responsibility after Allah Almighty. “Reduction in kidnappings is the result of your hard work day and night, for which I congratulate you.”

DIG Aftab said on the occasion that over the past year, the Kashmore police engaged in 215 encounters with criminals, and the Shikarpur police engaged in 144 encounters.

He said notorious dacoits Noor Hasan Badani, Hakeem Tart Jatoi and Elahi Ahmed Gorani were killed in such encounters. The government had announced Rs5 million, Rs2 million and Rs1 million respectively for their arrest, he added.

He also said that seven suspects, including Sher Muhammad, the alleged murderer of journalist Jan Muhammad Mehr, were killed, and six were arrested.

Over the past year, 73 robbers were killed in police encounters and raids, 289 criminals were arrested and 344 weapons were recovered from their possession, he added. The officer said that 362 people were saved from being kidnapped through honey trap.

“I’m thankful to the IG for organising this event. I can assure you that this welcome, encouragement and appreciation will raise the morale of the youth, and they will work harder. The Larkana Division police are brave. They’re never afraid of any enemy, and will never be afraid.”