Northeast China's Liaoning Province has ordered 72,000 police officers to launch a strike at local gangsters, Huashang Morning Post reported yesterday, March 7.

Xu Wenyou, general chief of the provincial operative team, said they have key information about the distribution and expansion of local gangsters. In accordance with central and provincial governments' arrangements, they will take strong measures against these dark societal forces, Xu said.

By destroying any safety nets or "umbrellas", caused from corrupt officials covering up and not disclosing illegal gang activities, the local authorities will target all aspects to contain the local gangster problem.

Liaoning has set up a leading group to supervise local officers' anti-gangster operations. Chief police officers who do not investigate and strike against notorious local gangsters will be dismissed or suspended immediately, the newspaper said.

Liaoning police will also establish a long-term anti-gangster system to curb new gangsters. Each municipal police department will build a special anti gangster force. They will set up rules on investigation and report techniques and will be providing a witnesses' protection system.

(Shanghai Daily March 8, 2006)