RAHIM YAR KHAN: In a novel measure aimed at eliminating criminals’ hideouts in riverine area of the river Indus, the Punjab government has imposed a ban on cultivation of sugarcane crop for 30 days in some areas of Sadiqabad tehsil to “prevent danger to public peace and tranquility”.

A letter (No.SO (IS-II)1-1/2004) issued by the provincial home department says that the Rahim Yar Khan deputy commissioner (DC) vide letter dated Dec 8, 2022, reported that hardened criminals have built hideouts in katcha area comprising Kot Sabzal, Ahmadpur Lama and Bhong areas of Sadiqabad tehsil.

The home department letter further says, quoting the DC, that criminals hide themselves in the sugarcane crop to avoid police action and arrest. The sugarcane crop, which is widely cultivated along katcha area routes provides these criminals a safe heaven to hide and carry out their criminal activities, it adds.

Moreover, it says, the sugarcane crop also serves as an impediment to the local police conducting search operations and performing watch and ward duties.

“Therefore, the DC requested [the home department] to impose [a ban under] section 144 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1898 on cultivation of sugarcane crop on the marked area in Sadiqabad tehsil,” it reads.

“And whereas Government of the Punjab, has reasons to proceed under section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1898, as immediate prevention and speedy remedy is desirableand the directions hereinafter appearing are necessary to prevent danger to public peace and tranquility.

“Therefore, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Government of the Punjab, Home Department Capt Asadullah Khan, in exercise of powers vested in him, under section 144 of CrPC 1898 do hereby impose a ban on the cultivation of sugarcane crop upon 1,353 acres of land located in 212 Mouzas of Sadiqabad tehsil, RY Khan district, for a period of 30 days with immediate effect,” the letter concludes.

RYK DC Salman Khan told Dawn that the purpose of the ban on sugarcane cultivation was not to affect the livelihood of farmers, but to provide them peace and security.

He claimed the district police had been spreading awareness among the farmers of Kacha area during the last six months and motivated them to cultivate substitute crops.

He further said that due to its height, the sugarcane crop was a constant hurdle in police activities aimed at maintaining law and order, so with the consent of police, section 144 was imposed, hoping it would create a “positive impact” in the Kacha area.

Criminals operating in the riverine area of the river Indus, falling in RY Khan district and adjoining Ghotki district of Sindh, have been a challenge for the police of both provinces.

To check kidnap for ransom and other crimes in these areas, the police forces of Punjab and Sindh had recently conducted a coordinate operation.

Published in Dawn, December 11th, 2022