Operation in Lyari fails to yield desired results

Much to the disenchantment of residents, the ongoing operation against gangsters in Lyari appears to be of no consequence as it has so far failed to restore the much-needed peace. Law enforcement agencies - Police and Rangers - claim killing notorious gangsters every day but the increasing number of extortion incidents is a big question mark over the credibility of their claims.
"We [Lyariites] always find ourselves helpless whenever gangsters take their positions to attack their rivals' dens. Criminals, carrying sophisticated weapons are moving in the area round the clock with impunity even in the presence of LEAs," a resident said. According to an investigation carried out by Business Recorder, law enforcement agencies are still clueless about the exact number of gangsters operating in the vicinity. "Either they (LEAs) are incapable to operate against gangsters or they are not being allowed to launch full-fledged operation against them," an area notable expressed his apprehension.
Although, Lyari generates billions of rupees business activity every day, industrialists, small and medium scale traders have suffered badly since the commencement of the Karachi operation, more specifically in Lyari. "Industrialists, businessmen and shopkeepers have started to close down their businesses as they continue to receiving heavy extortion chits from Lyari gangsters," a businessman told this correspondent.
Despite tall claims made by LEAs, especially the Sindh rangers, to have targeted the hideouts of dangerous criminals during the ongoing targeted operations, the Lyari situation has raised questions on their claims as LEAs have so far failed to nab or kill any high-profile gang-war element.
Chakiwara, Kalakot, Baghdadi and Kalri are designated police stations to maintain law and order situation in Lyari town. And though, the unabated and unannounced battle between two notorious gangster groups has so far claimed the lives of dozens of inhabitants, no security agency has bothered to respond to the plight of Lyariites. "The designated police stations do not have a sufficient strength and also are not well equipped to fight criminal elements," a police official told Business Recorder, who requested anonymity. He said that police parties always have certain limitations to operate against gangsters freely.
Lyari, which was considered a stronghold of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), has now turned into a safe haven for notorious gangsters and other criminal elements. "Political parties wield strong influence on gangsters; they use them for their ulterior motives," he alleged. Pakistan People's Party (PPP) has reclaimed its dominance through the victory of its candidates -Shah Jahan Baloch for national assembly, Sania Naz Baloch and Jawaid Nagori for provincial assembly.
Lyari descended into chaos after two groups developed differences over internal issues, pushing the daily life to cease as violence claimed several lives in its wake. Dozens of people have been killed in violence-stricken Lyari areas of Behar Colony, Gulistan Colony, Baghdadi, Kalri, Mosa Lane, Jhaat Pat Market, Kalokot and neighbouring areas where gunfight continues between two rival groups for the last four months.
Hand grenades and rocket propeller grenades (RPGs) have been freely used during violence by both sides, causing a mass panic among the residents, eyewitnesses say. The residents of the area question the police's and rangers' role to free the "hostage" public from warlords. The gangsters, carrying head money, have either fled the country or takes refuge in the far-flung areas of Balochistan. "The law enforcement agencies are carrying out a cosmetic operation; they usually harass innocent people, or targeting only those criminals who are not very much famous for their brutalities; and most of the notorious gangsters are still at large," an insider in a political party said.
According to a police official in Lyari Division, Lyari police has killed 30 accused and arrested 352 others in 55 encounters during the last four months. The arrested criminals include target killers, proclaimed offenders, absconders, dacoits and street thugs.
The police also claimed to have seized 17 Kalashnikov rifles, 260 pistols, 17 grenades, 04 Awan bombs, 01 light machinegun, 03 rifles,118 pistols, 01 mouser,03 revolver, 65 kilogram hashish, 36 bottles of liquor, 07 snatched motorbikes, and other valuables. "Though some gangsters have been killed and arrested by LEAs, they were low-key operators while the gang leaders are still at large," an area notable said. Thousands of people have fled violence-hit Lyari and migrate to interior Sindh or Balochistan for safety and security.