Police in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region have launched a "strike hard" security campaign to wipe out lawlessness and continue to hunt for suspects who took part in the deadly riots in the capital Urumqi four months ago.

Police will continue the manhunt for suspects connected to the riots. Meanwhile, police will "keep a close eye on clues and cases involving terrorism and explosions", the statement said.

Residents are encouraged to offer tips to police authorities.

Xinjiang has been struck in recent years by bombings, attacks and riots blamed by the government on separatists.

This year, Urumqi has been rocked by riots and a spate of syringe attacks, triggering widespread panic and anger. So far, hundreds have been arrested and nine sentenced to death.

The new police campaign appears to be part of the effort to win back the support of residents who claim some criminals were not being punished.

The campaign is also targeting criminal activities involving finance and property, as well as those threatening public security such as human trafficking, it said.

The term "strike hard" harkens back to the 1980s, when Chinese police launched campaigns to catch criminals.

China Daily - Agencies