Army takes over operation against outlaws in Punjab's Rajanpur: ISPR
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LAHORE: Personnel of Pakistan Army have taken over the operation against members of the Chotoo gang in the riverine area of Rajanpur, the military's media wing said on Saturday.
Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations Lt-Gen Asim Bajwa announced on Twitter that army troops have been deployed in the Kacha areas and have taken charge of Operation Zarb-i-Aahan.
A cordon is being reinforced, and police and Rangers already deployed will continue to participate under the command of the army, Bajwa said. He added that whatever resources are required will be employed to accomplish the mission.
Relatives protest, curfew imposed
Relatives of the policemen taken hostage held a demonstration Saturday in Jampur to demand their safe recovery from the Chotoo gang’s captivity.
Scores of protesters gathered at Traffic Chowk in Jampur and chanted slogans against the “ineptitude’ and “ill-planning” of police authorities which paved the way for casualties and abductions.
On the other hand, members of the Chotoo gang demanded safe passage to leave the area and the halting of the operation in exchange for the hostages.
Sources said the gang is allegedly using the hostages as human shields against shelling and firing by law enforcement agencies.
Rajanpur's District Coordination Officer (DCO) Chaudhry Zahoor Hussain imposed section 144 and a dusk-to-dawn curfew in 20 subdistricts of Rajanpur during the ongoing security operation.
According to DCO Hussain, the curfew will be relaxed from 6am to 8am, 1pm to 2pm, and 5pm to 6pm.
Section 144 and curfew has been imposed in the following areas: Chak Haider, Chak Soori, Shah Wali Khas, Chak Chargh Shah, Chak Bahote, Kacha Bahote, Kacha Razi, Soonmiani, Chak Dhanwari, Kacha Yaru Shah, Baily Shah, Chak Kupra , Chak Umrani, Jangothadi, Gad Nar, Bumbly Khairpur, Kin Khas, Rakh Shah Wali, Gari Soori and Daingri Soori.
Formally launching a grand operation against hardened criminals on Friday, military forces resorted to shelling at their hideouts in the troubled riverine area of Rajanpur district.
Helicopter gunships were used to hit suspected positions and bunkers set up by criminals affiliated with the Chotoo gang, a senior security official told Dawn. The initial air strikes lasted about 20 minutes. Moreover, security forces taking part in the operation, codenamed Zarb-i-Aahan, also had the backup support of mortars fired by Rangers.
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Comments (79) Closed
Apr 16, 2016 01:39pm
Wish our troops a resounding success in this noble mission against the outlaws and extortionists assembled in this kacha no go areas.
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Apr 16, 2016 01:51pm
All civilian wings are useless, is it ?
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Apr 16, 2016 02:04pm
Social injustice, corruption, nepotism are the root causes for creation of these type of gangs, therefor, by insuring timely justice, promoting honesty and merit in our society could only provide long term solution.
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Apr 16, 2016 02:04pm
Great stuff, no compromise on challenging writ of the state. Peace is what drives any society.
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Apr 16, 2016 02:04pm
Police are being unfairly criticized here. Army has taken over a decade and sacrificed thousands when it was (and still is) trying to clear tribal areas. Police in Pakistan do not have the same equipment nor the same resources that Army has still they have left any stone unturned in trying to protect the lives of the common citizens. Sitting on your couch and bashing police just because it’s part of the administration of the government which is run by your not-so-favorite party is unfortunate.
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Apr 16, 2016 02:05pm
In the end, it is the army that has come to the rescue. This is a clear indication that the inept and corrupt police are in no position to eliminate the terrorists residing in Punjab. You have to let the army and Rangers conduct an operation in Punjab (without constraints). Hope our govt and the 'CM Punjab' can learn from this setback of the police.
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Apr 16, 2016 02:06pm
why army have to get into this. Are police and ranger not capable to fight against these people?
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Apr 16, 2016 02:12pm
Now this is the end of Chotu Gang.Painful thing is even for robbers our Army needs to rake action so whats the use of Police here just a terror for innocent people used for political reasons.
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Apr 16, 2016 02:21pm
Punjab police is good to harass the poor. Weldone Army.
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Apr 16, 2016 02:22pm
disappointing. it was a small gang of afew hundred men armed with small weapons.
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Apr 16, 2016 02:25pm
Why was Punjab Government denying existence of terrorist gangs? Who are responsible for failure of operation by Police and embarrassing number of casualties and prisoners by terrorists. Precious lives were lost due to incompetense.Please ask Military Intelligence to investigate and apportion blame.
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Apr 16, 2016 02:46pm
Pakistan is country where only army ruler is successful..........
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Apr 16, 2016 02:56pm
@Zubeida Aapa Agree a 100 percent.
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Apr 16, 2016 03:04pm
Pak army please make example of these, then go after their PLM-N facilitators .
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Apr 16, 2016 03:08pm
In recent future which police? Police are only use to serve elite class. Never policing the country apart from bit of fairness in KPK. The majority are appointed by politician to cover up there corruption and won the election in foul play. The army would be in barracks not in the operation if the police were sufficient. Police look the other way from criminal if they not involve by the self. We pay the price for poor policing.
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Apr 16, 2016 03:13pm
The ruling PML(N) party should get rid for good of the godfathers of these gangs being fed and bred by the party, to save its own future, if it cares.
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Apr 16, 2016 03:33pm
Chotoo already offered to surrender in front of army,this offer should be accepted without loss of life...It will look very silly using such a force to control a small gang
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Apr 16, 2016 04:00pm
Police just kills the un-armed civilian population and can't face the criminals. due to corruption, nepotism and political influence this institution has lost its credibility ,it should be autonomies under the administrative control of Pak-Arm.
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Apr 16, 2016 04:14pm
Army is the only thing functioning in this country
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Apr 16, 2016 04:22pm
@Hassan Malik : What you have stated is the only solution but, that is called the ultimate "Doctrine of Necessity" that no politician can ever agree to listen, even from light years away !!
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Apr 16, 2016 04:26pm
For many months now, I have been stating on multiple platforms that Pakistan Army needs to take over & rebuild all the civilian intelligence gathering agencies and Provincial police departments. These departments and corrupt, incompetent and politicized and they need to be cleansed of all the filth.....
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Apr 16, 2016 04:29pm
What if this Non-effective police be taken over by Rangers or Army?
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Apr 16, 2016 04:34pm
punjab police lacks leadership in ranks.
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Apr 16, 2016 04:47pm
Before using extreme force on "Chotoo gang", why do we not meet them to understand and discuss their grievances. Anyone complaining of injustice should not be classified as a criminal.
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Apr 16, 2016 04:50pm
Maybe they should have let the IG go in there by himself (as he suggested) rather than taking this rash decision and jeopardizing the lives of the policemen being held as hostages.
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Apr 16, 2016 04:58pm
This operation was launched in the wake of religious terrorism but all we are hearing about is some 'Chotto' gang and related bandits.
I am all for this operation but can anyone help explain their connection with the recent Lahore bombings?
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Apr 16, 2016 05:02pm
How as a nation we have reached this low point that state has lost control over a part of the country right in the heart of country. People who have been ruling the country for the last 10-20 year must take this responsibility including the police chiefs.
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Apr 16, 2016 05:12pm
This should have been over within a day or two when the army entered. However I don't see any end in sight. Imagine a gang of 100 can give a hard time to police, Rangers and Army. What will they fight further? One area is cleared, another area flares up? Is this like a cancer that has spread?
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Apr 16, 2016 05:14pm
All this time Rana Sannaullah secretary supporting Chotto Gang leader his followers.
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Apr 16, 2016 05:22pm
Why Punjab Govt is not starting operation against hardcore terrorists?
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Apr 16, 2016 05:26pm
@SYED HUSAIN agree with you.
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Apr 16, 2016 05:29pm
@Imran ali no this will be a ploy to escape with their money and ammunition from their hide outs.
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Apr 16, 2016 05:30pm
@Khalid Abdul Hameed no,
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Apr 16, 2016 05:30pm
Relatives of the policemen should hold a protest demonstration at Raiwand.
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Apr 16, 2016 05:31pm
So here it is.the entire operation being diverted to these criminals bir what about those terrorists who kill farmore people through suicide bombings
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Apr 16, 2016 05:36pm
When TTP and NDS took army men hostages and chopped their heads, where were the civilian protests?
Honor and sacrifice for motherland is in every soldiers heart. Army did not negotiated for its hostages.
Police have also taken and oath, and must die by it.
It's the Army that has to give its blood to protect us from internal and foreign terrorist elements.
Kill all the terrorist and their sympathizers.
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Apr 16, 2016 05:39pm
It has been always proven many many times that Pakistani Army can solve almost all the problems because Pakistani civilian government is not capable to handle when it comes to crime and security in the country. Our civilian government is so corrupt and do not have the will to work because these political leaders think about them self first
before the country. Pakistanis should elect good hard working dedicated people above the party lines, otherwise we will always have corrupt people to run the country. Each Pakistani citizen is equally responsible because bad people will always have bad leaders.
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Apr 16, 2016 05:46pm
I do hope after wiping out the outlaws the Army is going to investigate the hands behind the harboring of the gang.there is lots behind the curtain.The nation is waiting to know the real crooks.Rana Sana Ulla should be investigated thoroughly since he would not let the Rangers in Punjab and also said on TV that there is no go area or safe haven in Punjab.
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Apr 16, 2016 05:48pm
@Ammar
Police is as good as the mother society is. We should look into ourselves and judge ourselves before judging others.
How much tax we pay , to finance the state for providing suitable human resources, quality education , professional training ,and equipments etc to the police department ?
Unless we Start doing our part of citizenship it will remain pointless to demand quality services from the state,whoever the governing party is.
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Apr 16, 2016 06:07pm
why was I under the impression that the south Punjab operation was in light of intelligence about extremist groups working there?
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Apr 16, 2016 06:30pm
This is back to front, military must be subordinate to Police in internal operations.
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Apr 16, 2016 06:35pm
Pakistan should send in the SSG the best elite commandos in the world and eliminate every member of this criminal gang, no one should be able to get away. These criminals need to be taught a lesson.
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Apr 16, 2016 06:37pm
Seriously where is the IG police who want to be the front man?
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Apr 16, 2016 06:49pm
I am pretty sure behind this gang there will be some big shot. While you are doing this operation do not forget to nab that evil personality. Other wise another Chotoo will emerge.
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Apr 16, 2016 07:03pm
This is all due to the good Punjab governess, or so called good governess.
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Apr 16, 2016 07:06pm
@Zubeida Aapa No one is blaming the police. It is the politicians that have destroyed the most important law enforecemt institution. Lack of merit, nepotism, personal favours and planned incidents such as model town has rendered our police completely useless. Operation Zarb-Ahn is an example of how badly politicians have damaged our police. They are salaries are paid from our taxes and yet they are treated as personal servants of the rulers.
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Apr 16, 2016 07:10pm
@Zubeida Aapa yes it is unfair to criticize police, the civilian govt could set their priorities correctly, recruitment on merit, depolitise the police, capacity building instead of using them for their own protection, using dacoits to maintain their own self interest , then we the civilians will remain dependent on the Army from flood and earthquake relief work to maintenance of internal law and order. Who has stopped the govt to provide equipment and proper training to the police instead of giving priorities to metros etc? Is not the protection of people's lives more important than these metros ? For more than 20 years this Chota gang was being patronized by our civilian leadership. Now that the Army has unilaterally taken over operation in S Punjab including Ranjanpur, they have no choice but to seek Army's help after 18 days and loosing 6 valuable lives, 35 policemen wounded and 24 policemen hostage,fighting a gang of 500 against 6000 Policemen, is this not a shameful act?
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Apr 16, 2016 07:40pm
@Zubeida Aapa One honest statement. DO pakistani realize where their is going?
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Apr 16, 2016 08:06pm
@Zubeida Aapa Yes but only fools go into a battle unprepared. There is no bravery in that.
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Apr 16, 2016 08:06pm
Is there anything our civilian rulers can do beside indulging in luxury?
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Apr 16, 2016 08:15pm
Crush them all... Pak Army Zindabaad
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Apr 16, 2016 08:19pm
@Ishrat salim Well said,cant explain better than this.
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Apr 16, 2016 08:36pm
No negotiation with these Rajanpur district gangsters. Full military operation must continue and this and other gangs must be wiped out. This Choto gangster will try to slip away. All area in the operation area should be under constant watch. Wish Pak-Army success and victory. This operation is for the security and freedom of Pakistan against these foreign assisted terrorist gangs. The question is why the Punjab government did not take action against these gangs in the past decade and allowed them to get very powerful to challenge the writ of the government? Why was not the Pak-Army called in to defend the nation by the Punjab government if it had failed to handle the situation? RAW and anti-state elements are in full support of these outlaw gangsters. All resources and manpower of the state must be employed to wipe out these terror and anti-state elements.
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Apr 16, 2016 08:40pm
For every single thing that needs professionalism, every time when something needs to be done civilian Gov just can't do anything always fails to achieve.
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Apr 16, 2016 08:42pm
Police in Pakistan is ill trained and ill equipped. This the reason that Police performance is below standard and suffered to many shaheeds in Rajanpur operation. It is about time that military training must be given to the Police on regular basis under Pak-Army supervision. Police need to made fully combat ready in anti terror and modern warfare.
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Apr 16, 2016 08:43pm
Impotent police , incapable of doing anything. Why they need army backing in everything?
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Apr 16, 2016 08:45pm
@Zubeida Aapa .... In my opinion Police need proper training and equipment and need competent officers to lead them. At present Police is not fully combat ready and lack training and equipment.
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Apr 16, 2016 08:47pm
@Saad..... Agree with you.
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Apr 16, 2016 08:47pm
Police for only VIPs & organizing crime directly or indirectly....incompetent police same as our Government... Not a single hospital Nawaz & zardari go for medical treatment in ""Pakistan... Shame shame
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Apr 16, 2016 08:50pm
@DJ , The reason is sophisticated weapons are easily available everywhere in Pakistan without any control. Hence it is nightmare everywhere and every situation is difficult to control and handle.
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Apr 16, 2016 08:52pm
@nazeer shah , Not small weapons; They have sophisticated and superior weapons.
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Apr 16, 2016 10:12pm
Plz disband the existing police force of the whole country.Let us ask the Rangers to take over.At least they are under the control of the army and not corrupt politicians.
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Apr 16, 2016 10:37pm
The government must talk with these people and find out why they are prepared to put themselves and their families at risk. It is imperativare to know the reasons.
Sanity should prevail. We should not confuse ourselves and always be on a short fuse to kill everyone. It takes alot to be human.
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Apr 16, 2016 11:18pm
@Ammar Was is not the responsibility of the civil administration in Punjab to make sure that the outlaws don't get the sophisticated weapons they have today in the first place? Rana Sanaullah recently said there were no "no-go" zones in Punjab. What is happening today? The cops are politicized. Looking after the rich and the elite. How can they fight the outlaws? Why does the Punjab government not spend money on arming and training the police instead of making metros?
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Apr 16, 2016 11:33pm
I thought they started the operation against religious terrorists and extremists and here they are tackling dacoits, robbers? I dont think Chouto sends suicide bombers? Govt/Army should correct their priorities.
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Apr 16, 2016 11:37pm
If 25 % of a country's resources are spent on Military, this is what happens.
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Apr 17, 2016 12:13am
Finally.
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Apr 17, 2016 12:35am
Shame on civilian government and police. The ratio is 16o policemen to every member of choru gang. It is obivous that our tax money goes into offshore accounts in Panama rather than training these incompetent civilian law enforecemt agencies.
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Apr 17, 2016 03:46am
@Ammar
Sir, you are absolutely right. But what any body can say for the army chief, who is appointed by Nawaz and appears to be very corrupt in favour of Nawaz than saving the Pakistan. All these rich people are corrupt and are making money by looting the poor. They are increasing taxes, no action to reduce prices, education, health and sincerety. Every politition now represents the cricket team bosses.
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Apr 17, 2016 06:23am
Stupid move!!!
Wish they would negotiate & save the lives of captured policemen first before entering into this # cleanUp endeavor..
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Apr 17, 2016 06:25am
Delay the action & isolate these thugs till they surrender without bowing to their ultimatum...
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Apr 17, 2016 07:13am
looks like Chotoo's gang alias Gabbar Singh gang is in for a tough fight now.
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Apr 17, 2016 07:48am
It reflects the failure & alarming situation in Pakistan to upgrade & provide necessary support to internal security agencies including Rangers to counter such problems. Army can't be utilized to nab even the goons & others only enjoying at the cost of public treasury.
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Apr 17, 2016 08:43am
@Justice True. Gangs do not thrive without the blessing of government officials.
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Apr 17, 2016 08:52am
@FMQ - i agree with your opinion. This is only a short term solution. Unless Root causes that you already mentioned in your comments are not eradicated - these areas will keep poping up. We should strive to bring swift justice, eradication of corruption, and propogation of honesty, merrit and tollerance - be done
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Apr 17, 2016 09:09am
Our Police is never trained, equipped and meant for such operations. They are only to give hell to citizens. I feel sorry for those cops killed cold in action in this operation. Army should be given this task also from day one.
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Apr 17, 2016 09:38am
Until the salaries, equipment & training of the police are improved they will not match the effectiveness of the army or the Rangers . Also the institution of the police Dept have to be freed from serving the politicians & the feudal lords.
All these may take time but without them we will continue to lag behind as a nation.
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Apr 17, 2016 11:34am
Police only remains to threaten local residents for political reasons and they are mainly there for public protocol!
Such a shameful moment for Punjab Police
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Apr 17, 2016 11:58pm
I have been listening for the last 30 years, that there will be some practical reforms came up in Police Departments of the country. Where are those reforms ?
Countries who progress during the last 30 years have invested more on Education, Health and Law & Order than any other department within their countries. What is happening around in our country, who are these people who fearlessly claim to be the country's representative?
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