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 policemen 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 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 government employees had been cancelled.

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 policemen 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.

A senior police officer associated with the operation told Dawn today that the gang was using their hostages as a human shield to protect their women and children, said to be 250 to 300 in number.

Chotoo had earlier put pressure on the families of policemen in his captivity to hold protests calling for an end to the operation against the gang.

“He threatened to start killing the captives one by one in case of non-compliance,” the official said.

The official said the gangsters had called the family members of each captive from different phone numbers.

The families reached Jampur on Saturday, blocking the Indus Highway for traffic in protest, demanding safe recovery of their loved ones from captivity, he said, adding that the protesters were dispersed after senior Army and police officials negotiated with them, assuring them of the safe return of the captive policemen.

Rajanpur operation

The Interior Ministry gave security forces the go-ahead to launch a military operation against the hardened criminals of Rajanpur’s Rojhan tehsil, Dawn reported on April 13.

The ground operation was halted at the time in order to allow women, children and other people to evacuate the island, a move taken in order to prevent collateral damage, a senior police official had said.

Know more: Air strikes ordered on Rajanpur gangsters

Policemen killed, taken hostage

At least six police officials were killed and 24 others taken hostage as they launched an offensive against the Rajanpur gangsters, Dawn reported on April 14. At least seven gangsters were also killed during the riverine operation on the island bordering Sindh and Balochistan.

Read more: Six cops killed, 27 taken hostage in Rajanpur operation against bandits

A senior police official told Dawn that police forces lacked proper equipment, weapons and boats to launch an assault on the island, and that local police forces were not adequately trained or equipped to conduct amphibious operations in riverine area.

Also read: 'Police suffered losses due to lack of planning by high-ups'

'Gangsters willing to surrender'

Ghulam Rasool, alias Chotoo, the gang leader claimed to be a supporter of the Army and said he was "willing to surrender but only before the Army", DawnNews reported.

Chotoo said he was left with no option but to make a criminal gang after fake cases were registered against him.

A source in the police department said that Chotoo was demanding safe passage for himself, his family and some loyal accomplices to proceed to Dubai in return of safe release of the captive policemen, Dawn reported.

Explore: The rise of Chotoo and his gang

Army joins operation

Director General Inter-Services Public Relations Lt-Gen Asim Bajwa announced on April 16 that army troops were being deployed in the kacha areas and had taken charge of the Rajanpur operation, Zarb-i-Ahan.

He said a cordon was being reinforced and police and Rangers had already been deployed to participate in the operation under the Army.

Related: Army takes over operation against outlaws in Punjab's Rajanpur: ISPR