KARACHI, Oct 30: The Inspector-General of Sindh Police, Syed Kamal Shah, instructed on Tuesday the DIGs and SSPs to draw up an effective plan to curb crimes in the province.

He issued the directive at a meeting which was attended by Additional IG Niaz Ahmed Siddiqi, DIG Karachi Tariq Jamil, DIG Establishment Humayun Raza, all SSPs from Karachi and other districts of Sindh.

The IG said crime control committees be set up in every district, to tackle the activities of criminals with the cooperation of community.

He referred to standing orders issued from time to time by him, and said their enforcement in letter and in spirit be ensured.

The IG called for adoption of all preventive measures for the elimination of terrorism. He said in taking steps for rooting out crimes there should be more dependence on planning and strategy instead of use of force.

Mr Shah said sincere, honest and hardworking officers in the police department would be encouraged and supported, but black sheep would be taken to task.

He asked the districts police chiefs to crack down on bandits and their mentors. He told them not to show mercy to kidnappers. He asked the officials to serve as public-friendly police and their acts should be welfare-oriented.

He said those police personnel found to be in league with criminals or indulging in corruption should be acted against as per police rules. He said in all such cases the prescribed rules should be strictly implemented.

He referred to the problems faced by the police department such as transport, provision of wireless, uniform, vehicle fuel, etc, and said the availability of these facilities would be ensured.

Mr Shah ordered that all security arrangements be made for the protection of minorities.

He also called for a positive role to be played by police officials during the forthcoming anti-polio campaign.

The IG informed that the “15” Madadgar Force was being set up at every district headquarter where all facilities to people would be available under one roof with a separate counter for women.

He said wireless-fitted motorcycles would soon be added to the police fleet of vehicles.

He informed the meeting that water cannon vehicles had arrived. These would throw blue water with pressure to disperse mobs and unruly crowds. He said the water would contain an itching substance.

The IG instructed the DIGs to order promotions pending for years so that vacant posts could be filled. He said reports on departmental promotions, rewards and punishments should be sent to him on a monthly basis.

He instructed that a senior police officer must be present in hospitals dealing with medicolegal cases to ensure immediate police action and provision of speedy medical treatment to the injured.

About the cases of car theft and hijacking, he instructed that all vehicles in such cases should be detected and be not allowed to cross the Sindh border.

The IG said the Sindh police helicopters had been equipped with latest gadgets, to be used in emergency situations. He said these helicopters could be used by DIG or SSP if required in an emergency. He said from these helicopters anti-social elements could be photographed.

The DIG Karachi informed the meeting that 99 out of the 139 small and major rallies held in protest against the war in Afghanistan remained peaceful.—APP