DERA GHAZI KHAN: Law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) claimed on Saturday to have cleared a ‘no-go area’ during a 48-hour operation in Dalana while the ‘proclaimed offenders’ managed their escape.

DG Khan District Police Officer Ghulam Mubashar Maikin told a news conference that they seized a big Indian-made arms cache, including an anti-aircraft gun.

Political Assistant to tribal area/Border Military Police Commandant Shahid Mehmood also accompanied the DPO.

Maikin said offender Ghulam Husain Zanglani had made the Khosa tribe-dominated Dalana a ‘no-go area’ 18 years ago by installing non-conventional weapons around his hideout.

POs flee during 48-hour operation

The DPO claimed that the area had been liberated after a joint operation conducted by the Punjab police, Elite Force, BMP and Baloch Levies.

He said more than 100 personnel took part in the operation. He said police used helicopter for surveillance while constable Ashraf suffered injuries in the crossfire.

The DPO claimed that ringleader of Zanglani gang Ghulam Husain Zanglani was also injured along with his two accomplices but they managed their escape.

He told a questioner that women and children were asked to vacate the hideout before starting the operation.

The DPO said police and BMP had established check posts in the area to restore writ of the government.

It was learnt that Inspector Iqbal Chandia of Muzafargarh along with his team especially took part in the operation because of his expertise in fighting terrorism.

Speaking on the occasion, BMP Commandant Shahid said: “It was a joint effort and now writ of the government has been established in the area.” He said the operation was delayed because of lack of capacity building of BMP as the force needed more weapons, training and fresh recruitment.

Zanglani was allegedly involved in cases of kidnap for ransom and other heinous crimes. He had established a huge compound where he kept stolen vehicles. Zanglani was also getting power supply for turbine of his agricultural farm.

Published in Dawn, June 30th, 2014