KARACHI, Nov 9: The Shah Belo forests, which earlier used to be a safe heaven for dacoits and hardened criminals, is likely to be developed as a recreation spot as the Sindh Police during their operation clean-up against criminals have cleared 90 per cent of the forests.

The details of Shah Belo operation were reviewed at a high-level meeting held at Governor House on Tuesday evening with Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad in the chair. SSP Bashir Shaikh briefed the meeting about the operation.

The governor emphasised the need for getting the remaining 10 per cent of forests cleared from criminals and outlaws, and asked the chief secretary to examine the establishment of projects, like Safari etc.

The governor called for taking coordinated steps for eliminating kidnappings for ransom and dacoities. He said the criminals must not find any shelter anywhere in the province.

Giving details of Shah Belo operation, Bashir Shaikh said it was carried out in seven phases during which no harm was caused to any woman or child.

He said Shah Belo is spread over an area of about 600 km, having 14 villages and 500 isolated houses, with a population of about 15,000.

He said that some 13 known gangs consisting of 158 dangerous outlaws belonging to 14 different tribes were operating in the forest which was a permanent sanctuary for them for the last three decades and there was no concept of rule of law.

The meeting was informed that during the operation launched on April 10, 2004, the police had 78 encounters in which 13 wanted dacoits were killed and 52 injured, while two surrendered and 87 were arrested. Besides, the SSP said, 96 most wanted, 178 absconding criminals and 39 harbourers were also arrested.

In the operation, modern weapons, motor-boats, APCs and helicopter were used while dacoits too were equipped with rocket-launchers, latest weapons and other equipment.

He said nine permanent police camps have been established while plans are afoot for setting up five police stations and 20 police posts.—APP