Law Minister Rana Sanaullah has asserted that Chotu gang would either drop weapons or be put an end to within the coming 24 hours to 48 hours, local media reported on Friday.
While talking to the media outside Punjab Assembly, the Law Minister said that the government would support as many operations to neutralize criminal gangs as needed.
The gang would not be given a window to abscond or escape the forces at any cost, he added. He said that army is there to provide backup support in the operation. He cleared policy of the political and military leadership that no demands of such gangs would be entertained.
Sanaullah said that a joint press conference would be arranged once the operation concludes.
The minister said that it was police’s prerogative to give details about the operation or kept them under the wraps, following the protocol. However, he said that vanguard comprises of police, Rangers are following while army is providing backup support.
Operation against the criminals in Kacha Jamal and surrounding Kacha areas was halted after 24 police were taken hostage while seven killed including a station house officer (SHO).
The Law Minister said that the operation is being organised once again and was hopeful about law enforcement agencies’ positive development in the matter.
However, Opposition in the Punjab Assembly has demanded the government to step down after the failed Chotu gang episode.
On the other hand, another 300 elite force personnel have been deployed in Kacha Jamal One and Kacha Jamal Two while two kilometre (km) long area in surroundings has been sealed.
Intermittent firing and skirmishes are continuing in the troubled area. Locals in adjoining villages have started migrating to safer places.
Chotu gang is involved in different crimes and is linked with anti-state elements.
India-manufactured weapons were seized earlier from armed men after arrests were made. Gang’s leader, Ghulam Rasool Mazari alias Chotu bears head money of Rs 20 lac while as many as 48 cases pertaining to kidnapping for ransom, murder, dacoities among other crimes are registered against him in different police stations.
It is said that Chotu started out on streets at the age of 12 and used to sell tea but turned to kidnapping, murder and other heinous crimes after a local influential grabbed his land.
Kacha areas are said to be “no-go zones” for security persons as smugglers, militants and kidnappers find refuge there. At least 100 people constitute the notorious Chotu gang that has survived as many as seven police operations in the past.
More than 160 dacoits and miscreants backed by terror outfits and anti-state elements have been copped so far in security operation in Kacha Jamal area.