LARKANA, Sept 2: Sindh Home and Coordination Minister M. A. Rauf Siddiqui has said the government is determined to improving law and order situation in the province. He was talking to journalists at the circuit house here on Wednesday.

Expressing satisfaction over the performance of the Sindh police, the minister claimed that people involved in high-profile cases had been rounded up. However, he admitted that police faced trouble in the interior of Sindh.

When asked about recovery of trader Santosh Kumar, who had been kidnapped in Larkana on July 4, Mr Siddiqui said many culprits involved in the kidnapping had been arrested and police were close to his recovery. He, however, added that police did not want to make any move which could endanger the trader's life and were trying to ensure his safe recovery.

The minister said police had destroyed many a hideouts of bandits in Shah Belo, adding that he would recommend rewards for police personnel taking part in the operation against bandits.

He hinted at establishment of a police hospital in Larkana and said other facilities would also be provided to the police department. Regional police officer Rahoo Khan Brohi, Sukkur DIGP Mohammad Ramzan Channa, DPOs of Shikarpur and Larkana and other senior police officers were present on the occasion.

Earlier, the home minister presided over a meeting of police officers of Larkana and Shikarpur districts at the circuit house regarding law and order. The minister also paid a visit to the Larkana Central Jail and directed its administration to reconsider cases of 33 inmates.

He also asked the jail superintendent to arrange Rs170,000 for an under-trail prisoner, Shamman Lashari, who was unable to pay the amount as Diyat, with co-operation of philanthropists.

He said he had so far got released 200 prisoners involved in minor cases throughout the province. Meanwhile, Mr Siddiqui met relatives of kidnapped Kumar and told them that efforts were being for his safe recovery.