Python Numpy - Image Array - Re-Order Rows

I would like to re-order the rows of an image. Is it possible to do this.

Ideally I would like to place each row to its nearest neighouring row with the closest amount of pixels. I am trying to solve a cryptic puzzle.

Its jumbled rows of an image which should be some text. I dont yet know the algorith they have used to crypt this therfore a start with the above would be ideal.

Would appriciate any help, cheers.

a = Image.open("NEW.png")
a = numpy.array(a)

#re order the rows here

#save sorted image and display
a = Image.fromarray(a)
a.save("SORTED.png")
#a.show()