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| India-Pakistan |
| Heavy exchange of fire with Rajanpur bandits after army deadline expires |
| 2016-04-19 |
| [DAWN] DERA GHAZI KHAN/LAHORE: A heavy exchange of fire commenced on Monday afternoon between security forces and gangsters, with two army helicopters flying overhead for reconnaissance purposes. Earlier, the district administration of Rajanpur was ’alert’ in anticipation of a full-scale operation by the military as a Monday afternoon deadline to the gangsters to surrender unconditionally and release coppers held as hostages expired. The Army had given the Chotoo gang until 2pm on Monday (today) to surrender, police officials speaking on condition of anonymity ... for fear of being murdered... had told Dawn. In case they refused to abide by the deadline, the Army said it will begin a full-scale operation, the official added. Corps Commander II Corps Maj Gen Ishfaq Nadeem chaired a high-level meeting in Rajanpur on Monday and took stock of the situation before leaving, an official said, adding that an emergency has been imposed in hospitals in Dera Ghazi Khan, Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur. Rajanpur DCO Zahoor Hussain Gujjar, while talking to Dawn, confirmed that an emergency had been imposed at all hospitals in and around the area. "We are alert," he said, adding that the official leaves of Rajanpur district The officials have been directed to remain at their places of duty until further notice in order to take on any untoward situation in the aftermath of the expected operation, he said. At least six coppers were killed and 24 others taken hostage by the gang when the operation was launched less than a week ago. Dawn quoted a well-placed source on Monday saying that the gang had released some of the hostages, but the source was unable to say how many had been freed. |
| Posted by:Fred |