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Pakistan Chhotu bandits surrender to army in Punjab Pakistan Chhotu bandits surrender to army in Punjab
(about 5 hours later)
Members of a Pakistani criminal gang who have been battling the army in Punjab province have surrendered after a military operation. A notorious Pakistani bandit and 13 members of his gang have surrendered to troops after a military operation in Punjab province, the army says.
Army sources said 24 policemen taken hostage a week ago were also freed. It said 24 policemen taken hostage a week ago had also been rescued.
It is unclear how many members of the Chhotu gang gave themselves up - or whether their leader Ghulam Rasool Chhotu was among them. The army statement said Ghulam Rasool, known as Chhotu, had been taken for questioning and "combing operations" were continuing in the area.
The bandits have been blamed for hundreds of kidnappings, gun-smuggling and other crimes in recent years.The bandits have been blamed for hundreds of kidnappings, gun-smuggling and other crimes in recent years.
They operate in a remote region of southern Punjab. They operate in a remote region of southern Punjab and have been battling troops for several weeks.
Analysts say the operation against them may be an attempt to reassure Chinese investors involved in developing Pakistan's infrastructure. Analysts say the operation against the gang may be an attempt to reassure Chinese investors involved in developing Pakistan's infrastructure.
The surrender comes after army helicopters dropped leaflets on the bandit's island hideout on Tuesday evening telling them to hoist white flags on their boats and row towards the river bank.The surrender comes after army helicopters dropped leaflets on the bandit's island hideout on Tuesday evening telling them to hoist white flags on their boats and row towards the river bank.
Read more: Who are Pakistan's Chhotu bandits?Read more: Who are Pakistan's Chhotu bandits?