In a tragic incident in Punjab’s Rahim Yar Khan, at least 11 policemen were martyred and seven others sustained injuries after being ambushed by bandits in the riverine area of Machka on Thursday. The attack, carried out by dacoits, involved the use of rockets and targeted two police vans that had become trapped in rainwater.
The assault occurred in one of the riverine areas of Rahim Yar Khan, a region notorious for its lawlessness and the presence of heavily armed bandit groups. According to police officials, more than 20 officers were inside the two police vans when the bandits launched their attack. The powerful rocket strike led to the deaths of nearly a dozen officers, with several others injured and four reported missing.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi strongly condemned the attack, expressing his sorrow over the loss of life and paying tribute to the martyred policemen. In his statement, Naqvi praised the bravery of the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty and assured that the government would fully support the families of the martyred officers. He also extended his prayers for the swift recovery of the injured policemen.
The attack underscores the ongoing challenge posed by bandit groups in the riverine areas of Punjab and Sindh. These groups have long been a thorn in the side of provincial authorities, who have struggled to establish law and order in these remote and difficult-to-access regions. Despite numerous operations aimed at eliminating these criminal elements, the bandits have continued to exert influence, often engaging in violent confrontations with law enforcement.
In response to the persistent threat posed by these groups, a National Action Plan implementation review committee met in April at the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) headquarters. During this meeting, which was chaired by Interior Minister Naqvi and attended by senior officials including the interior secretary, police chiefs from various provinces, and heads of key security agencies, it was decided to launch a joint operation by the Sindh and Punjab police forces. This operation aims to target and dismantle the notorious dacoit networks operating in the kacha areas of Sindh and Punjab.
The incident in Rahim Yar Khan serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by police officers in these volatile regions and the ongoing struggle to bring peace and stability to the riverine areas. The government’s commitment to addressing this issue is evident in the planned joint operations, but the attack also highlights the need for continued vigilance and enhanced security measures to protect those on the front lines of this battle.
The local and national response to the attack has been one of mourning and resolve, with officials and the public alike rallying behind the families of the fallen officers. The bravery and sacrifice of the martyred policemen have not gone unnoticed, and there is a strong call for justice and accountability in the wake of this brutal attack. As the joint operation against the dacoits unfolds, the hope is that such tragedies can be prevented in the future and that peace can be restored to the affected areas.
