Military operation expected against Rajanpur gangsters

A full-fledged military operation against the notorious Chottu gang of Dera Ghazi Khan is expected today after hundreds of army troops arrived in Rahimyar Khan and Rajanpur last night.

Around 500 soldiers, including two groups of Zarrar Commandos, flew into Rahimyar Khan's Farid Airbase from Okara while two companies of 33, Punjab Regiment from Multan arrived in Rajanpur with four helicopters.

The latest development came after the federal interior ministry accorded approval for launching a military operation against the hardened criminals of Rajanpur's Rojhan tehsil.

A strike force with paratroops from Rangers would also take part in the joint operation along with regular policemen and commandos of the force, reports Dawn.

The crackdown against the gangsters of Rajanpur continued for the 18th day on Thursday, a day after the outlaws killed seven and abducted 22 policemen in fierce clashes in Kacha Jamal area in South Punjab.

Punjab IGP Mushtaq Sukhera met the Multan Corps Commander in Rahim Yar Khan and asked for the army's help in eliminating criminals from the area.

The gang of Ghulam Rasool Chottu, who carries a huge bounty on his head, has more than 100 gangsters against whom at least 54 cases of murders, robberies and kidnappings are registered in police stations across South Punjab.

Chottu has demanded the release of his comrades, withdrawal of police and Rangers and dismantling of security check-posts in his territory, and the return of the gang's firearms for ending the crisis.

The police have ruled out accepting any demands and are instead planning for a large-scale operation.

For the rescue of the 22 kidnapped policemen, locals have been contacted through influential tribal leaders.