Twenty-five officers from the Farooqabad Constabulary reportedly disembarked near the Zahir Pir Interchange four days ago.
Punjab Police Officers Refuse to Join Kacha Operation, Exit Midway, Sparking Controversy
LAHORE
In a surprising turn of events, 25 officers from the Farooqabad Constabulary refused to participate in a critical operation against dacoits in the Kacha area of Rajanpur, Punjab. The officers disembarked from their transport near the Zahir Pir Interchange four days ago, citing concerns for their safety. This decision has sparked controversy within the Punjab Police and prompted swift action from higher authorities.
The operation in the Kacha region, a notorious stronghold for organized criminal gangs, was launched in response to a severe attack that resulted in the deaths of 12 police officers. The Punjab government, in collaboration with Sindh, had decided to conduct a joint operation to eradicate these criminal elements from the area. However, the refusal of the Farooqabad Constabulary officers to participate has raised questions about the morale and commitment of law enforcement personnel in such high-risk operations.
According to reports, the officers, who were dispatched specifically for this operation, expressed their refusal to proceed into the Kacha area due to safety concerns. They reportedly told their superiors, “We are responsible for our own safety, but under no circumstances will we participate in the operation in the Kacha area.” Their refusal to continue with the mission has led to significant delays and disruptions in the planned operation.
In response to the officers’ actions, their in-charge prepared a report recommending disciplinary action against the 25 officers who disembarked. This report has been submitted to higher authorities for further consideration, and the incident has triggered discussions about the need for stricter discipline and better preparedness among police forces when dealing with high-risk assignments.
Inspector General (IG) of Punjab Police, Usman Anwar, has since responded by deploying replacement personnel to the area. The new contingent has already arrived in Rahim Yar Khan, ensuring that the operation in the Kacha region continues as planned. “We now have full deployment in the Kacha area, and no officers will be absent,” IG Anwar stated, emphasizing that the mission will proceed without further hindrance.
The Kacha region, located along the riverine border areas of southern Sindh and central Punjab, has long been a hotspot for criminal activities, particularly kidnap-for-ransom operations. Organized gangs have operated in this region for decades, exploiting the difficult terrain and the lack of effective law enforcement. The current operation aims to dismantle these criminal networks and restore law and order to the area.
IG Punjab Usman Anwar had visited the Kacha region four days ago to boost the morale of the officers involved in the operation. His visit was intended to reassure the personnel of the government’s support and to emphasize the importance of their mission. However, the refusal of the Farooqabad Constabulary officers to participate in the operation has highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining morale and ensuring the commitment of their forces in the face of dangerous assignments.
The incident has also raised concerns about the adequacy of training and support provided to police officers who are tasked with such high-risk operations. The refusal of the officers to enter the Kacha area may reflect broader issues within the police force, including insufficient training, inadequate equipment, or a lack of confidence in the success of the mission.
As the operation in the Kacha region continues, the Punjab Police will need to address these concerns and ensure that all personnel are adequately prepared and motivated to carry out their duties. The successful completion of the operation is critical not only for restoring security in the Kacha area but also for maintaining the credibility and effectiveness of the Punjab Police as a whole.
The outcome of the disciplinary actions recommended against the 25 officers will likely set a precedent for how such situations are handled in the future. The Punjab government and police leadership must strike a balance between enforcing discipline and addressing the underlying issues that may have contributed to the officers’ refusal to participate in the operation.