I must remind the rulers that law and order situation would adversely affect not only the economic conditions of general public but the government as well. Peace must be restored so that people may move with sense of security.
Maria Khushk
It has been noticed that crime rate in Sindh has shot up, and especially the street crimes are on the rise with every passing day. No one is safe and secure even inside of their homes. The crimes are spreading like a pandemic. Few days back, a video went viral on social media showing a man in Karachi resisting a thief to save her mother’s jewelry and life but thief deprived him of his mother’s jewelry and shot him; he was newly married. Same evening, another man was shot dead during robbery.
People across the cities of province are being robbed at the gunpoint in public places and even just outside of their homes. In Hyderabad city, I heard from my close circle that a man was rushing for his office but unfortunately he forgot some keys inside home. When he was unlocking his home, he noticed two men on bike who overpowered the poor man and snatched his wallet and shot him in his leg.
According to local media reports, more than 11,000 cases of robberies and killing of 13 people and injuries to many people while offering resistance to the robbers have been registered during one and half a month i.e. from January to February 15 this year across the province. People are afraid of losing their life and valuables even inside of the homes.
What to talk of motorcycle and mobile snatching incidents which have become order of the day. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah himself had admitted in a statement that street crimes have shot up this year, however he claimed that the main reason of increase in street crime is weak financial situation. His point of view may have certain ground but it looks that the habitual criminals are at large to commit the crimes. It is evident from the official reports that some 7500 habitual criminals are actively involved in crimes, and for that reason the Chief Minister had decided and ordered the police for e-tagging of such criminals.
The government should take the situation seriously and adopt practical measures instead of just issuing statements as part of their politics. The Chief Minister should seek follow-up reports from the police on compliance of his orders while the media should also play its role as watchdog and sensitize the matter so that people’s lives and valuables could be saved.
I must remind the rulers that law and order situation would adversely affect not only the economic conditions of general public but the government as well. Peace must be restored so that people may move with sense of security.
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Maria Khushk is a freelance writer based in Hyderabad Sindh. She is author of a book titled ‘‘The Cage of Innocence’.
