02 January 2005	Sunday	20 Ziqa'ad 1425

SUKKUR, Jan 1: The Sindh government has decided to launch a crackdown on outlaws in Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore and Larkana districts to recover the two judges kidnapped 28 days ago.

The decision was taken after the federal government took a serious notice of the kidnapping of the judges in Shikarpur and ordered the Sindh government to ensure their early recovery. The provincial government was also ordered not to enter into deal with the kidnappers but launch an operation against them.

Police and Rangers will jointly undertake the crackdown and if needed army will also be called to assist them.

The border area, spread over 250 kilometres connecting Larkana, Jacobabad and Kashmore with Balochistan, has been sealed following the kidnapping of the judges. Some 120 police and Rangers check-posts have been established in the area. New check-posts will also be established in the four districts.

Police sources said vehicles and modern weapons, provided to the newly-created district of Kashmore, will also be used in the operation.

Earlier, police had contacted the kidnappers through some influential people and they had demanded Rs20 million for release of the judges. After negotiation, the kidnappers had agreed for a ransom of Rs8 million but the negotiators from police side insisted on Rs3 million. The negotiations failed after the news about the deal leaked out.

Last week, police launched an operation in Garhi Khairo after receiving information that outlaw Shaman Jatoi, who is said to be involved in the kidnapping, was hiding in the area along with the hostages. However, the judges could not be released. The bandit is now said to be hiding in the mountainous area of Balochistan.