Unpacking Sindh’s dacoit crisis

The riverine stretch of the Indus River, from Guddu to Kotri Barrage, and the Kirthar Range in Sindh have historically been a hotbed for dacoits and outlaws.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, districts from Jacobabad downstream to Jamshoro, with the Kirthar Range crossing through Dadu, made international headlines for large-scale kidnappings for ransom and dacoities. Even foreign nationals, including Japanese and Chinese citizens, fell victim to these crimes.

In 1991, dacoit gangs led by Commando Shaikh and Latif Chandio kidnapped three Japanese nationals in Guddu, Kashmore, and three Chinese nationals in Dadu. All were released after paying hefty ransoms. Thousands of innocent citizens were also abducted during this period, including Syed Naveed Qamar, a current PPP parliamentarian, who was kidnapped by dacoits in 1988.

During the 1980s, several police operations were conducted to curb this menace. Many notorious gangs, such as those led by Paro Chandio, Muhib Sheedi, Nang Marfani, Ali Dino alias Tahir Naqash, Haji Abbas Khaskheli, Baqadar Shah, and Laiq Chandio, were neutralised. Dacoits like Sadiq Gadani and Ghulam Rasool alias Commando Shaikh were arrested.

However, despite these efforts, new gangs emerged, and incidents of kidnappings and dacoities persisted. In response, the federal government involved the Pakistan Army. From May 28, 1992, to November 30, 1994, the military launched Operation Blue Fox, supporting local police. This operation led to significant results, neutralising hundreds of dacoits and reducing crime rates drastically. Southern Sindh districts such as Dadu, Jamshoro, Matiari, and Hyderabad were nearly cleared of dacoits.

However, northern Sindh, particularly the districts bordering Balochistan and Punjab, remains a colossal challenge for law-enforcement agencies. The riverine districts of Larkana and Sukkur divisions, particularly Kashmore, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Ghotki, and Khairpur, have become sanctuaries for notorious dacoit gangs. These gangs engage in kidnappings, dacoities, and murders, openly challenging the state’s writ.

Unlike the 1980s and 1990s, when dacoits targeted wealthy individuals or political elites, today’s gangs show no mercy, targeting children, women, the elderly, the poor, and minorities. In 2024, about 306 persons were reportedly kidnapped for ransom, including children; the police rescued around 903 persons from being kidnapped in the katcha area of the Larkana and Sukkur divisions according to the press releases by the respective DIGPs offices.

The Indus Highway and Motorway (M-5) are frequently attacked by dacoits. Gangs from the Katcha areas of Garhi Tegho (Shikarpur), Karampur, and Buxapur (Kashmore) target buses, trucks, and other commuters after sunset. Kidnappings and murders during these attacks are common. Such incidents have also been reported on the motorway from Sukkur to Rahim Yar Khan.

The most dreaded dacoits in Kashmore include gangs of Nawab Jagirani, Khadim Bhayo, Arsla Sabzoi, and Malook Bhagwar. In Shikarpur, active gangs include Bello Teghani, Sonaro Teghani, Sukhio Teghani, Dodo Badani, Noor Hassan Badani, Popat Badani Jatoi, and Katoo Kursi. Ghotki is severely challenged by gangs of Rano Shar, Sanu Shar, Rahib Shar, Sooharo, Huso Shar, Lalu Phugi, Ali Hassan Jagirani and Riaz Jagirani.

These gangs, numbering hundreds of members, operate from the dense and inaccessible hideouts in the katcha areas. Equipped with sophisticated weapons such as AK-47s, G3 rifles, 12.7 mm anti-aircraft guns, RR-75 anti-tank mortars, and RPG-7 rocket launchers, these gangs possess a tactical advantage over the police. These weapons are often smuggled into Sindh from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Despite sustained operations, including recent efforts in 2024 where 26 police personnel were martyred and 103 dacoits killed, northern Sindh’s katcha areas remain a dangerous challenge. Lessons from the successful operations of the 1980s and 1990s in southern Sindh need to be revisited.

After the Russian invasion of Afghanistan, sophisticated weapons intended for the mujahideen found their way to dacoits, giving them an upper hand over the poorly equipped police of the time. The provincial government strengthened the police in 1988 by providing modern weapons and armoured personnel carriers (APCs). However, today’s dacoits possess even more advanced weaponry capable of neutralising APCs. Upgrading police equipment is a pressing need. Beyond military and police action, socio-economic development played a crucial role in eradicating dacoit culture in Southern Sindh. Infrastructure projects like the 1983 Dadu-Moro Bridge, connecting Dadu with Naushero Feroze, brought economic opportunities and integrated Katcha areas into mainstream society. Similarly, road networks in the Kasho and Kirthar ranges and the expansion of the Indus Highway in 1993 generated significant economic activity.

However, northern Sindh, especially Kashmore, Ghotki, and Shikarpur, lags far behind in development. Areas like Shah Belo, a vast forested region in Shikarpur and Sukkur, Garhi Tego, Shikarpur and Raunti Ubavero, Ghotki remain inaccessible, lacking basic facilities like roads, schools, and healthcare. Poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, feudalism and tribal enmities in such areas drive people toward crime.

The persistent dacoit menace in Sindh requires a multi-faceted approach. Strengthening the police force and equipping them with modern weaponry is vital. Simultaneously, developmental projects must connect the neglected katcha areas to mainstream society, fostering economic growth and social integration. By addressing security and socio-economic factors, Sindh can hope to end the decades-long menace of dacoit hegemony.

The writer is a senior superintendent of police in the Sindh Police.