|
CHINA> Regional
![]() |
|
Violence ignites anger among people - Urumqi mayor
By Lei Xiaoxun (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-07-07 17:34
"The violence has not only impeached the peace and order of Xinjiang, it has ignited grave anger among people," said Urumqi mayor Jerla Isamudin at a press conference early Tuesday. Violent clashes were still reported in parts of the city including Longquan Street and People's Hospital of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, two days after the first riots broke out on Sunday night. The authorities are sparing no efforts to protect the security of the people from all ethnic backgrounds, said the city's Party chief, Li Zhi said at the press conference. "All rescue work for victims and arrests of suspects are being carried out in accordance with the law," Li said. More than 1,000 emergency medical squads have been dispatched and more than 20 local hospitals have been designated as part of rescue efforts, authorities said. The government has also mobilized personnel across agencies and groups to help victims in public places, shops and homes who were attacked by rioters. Almost 210 shops were damaged and 260 vehicles, including 11 police ones, were torched in the attacks, officials said. "The casualty rate and loss from this incident is the most severe in the history of Xinjiang since the establishment of the People's Republic of China," Li said. About 1,000 violent protesters were also arrested Monday afternoon near Saimachang in the Dawan area, the authorities said. Those in the mob reportedly wielded big sticks against security forces. Police searched hideouts of suspects and conducted arrests after relevant ID checks. "If the suspects did not commit any serious crime, they will be released soon," Li said. "But there will be zero tolerance for those found to be responsible." Li said the authorities also had "solid evidence" that Rebiya Kadeer, the leader of the World Uygur Congress suspected of instigating the attacks, used the Internet and other forms of communication networks to mobilize rioters in the violence. As such, the local government has put temporary restrictions on the local Internet and communications networks. "Everything will be restored soon after the situation becomes stable," he said. |
|||||
盘山县| 六安市| 大丰市| 兖州市| 襄城县| 林州市| 林口县| 徐水县| 奇台县| 察哈| 正安县| 岑溪市| 安义县| 西乌珠穆沁旗| 和田市| 浦北县| 绍兴市| 叶城县| 资溪县| 顺义区| 德庆县| 安图县| 青川县| 富锦市| 小金县| 黑河市| 蒙自县| 仙居县| 筠连县| 象山县| 正安县| 平乡县| 诏安县| 勐海县| 四子王旗| 威信县| 镇赉县| 遂平县| 扶风县| 新乐市| 明光市|