Police in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region are offering rewards for information leading to illegal weapons and explosives, as part of a drive against violence and terrorism.

The announcement was made a week after a bombing attack in southern Xinjiang's Aksu City that left eight people, including the two attackers, dead and 15 others injured.

"People of all ethnic groups can, through verbal or written messages, mobile phones, Internet and other ways, inform local police about the illegal manufacture, trade, transport, mail, storage and possession of guns, ammunition, explosives and dangerous chemicals, and violent crimes as well," the Xinjiang Autonomous Regional Public Security Department said in a statement issued Thursday.

The informant could claim a reward of from 10,000 yuan to 100,000 yuan (US$1,470 to US$14,700) if the information was verified, the announcement said.

The purpose of the announcement and reward was to "promptly, accurately and resolutely crack down on violent crimes in connection with terrorism," it said.

Four people have been detained in connection with the deadly bombing attack in Aksu. The alleged ring, headed by Ehmet Kurban, had six members, but two had died carrying out the attack, police have said.

The attack occurred at about 10:30 AM on August 19 on the outskirts of Aksu, when three people drove an electric tricycle into a crowd and detonated explosives.

Chinese law bans possession of guns, ammunition and explosives by individuals.

(chinadaily.com.cn August 28, 2010)