China police station attack leaves several dead in Xinjiang

Official version of events disputed as Uighur assault on police building raises fears of new violence An assault on a Chinese police station in Xinjiang has left at least four people dead, the state media has reported, raising concerns about a fresh outbreak of violence in the restive far western region. The confrontation in Hotan – near one of China’s most important energy-producing areas – comes two years after the deadliest ethnic rioting in the country’s recent history left at least 197 people dead. Details of the police station attack are contested. The official Xinhua news agency said on Monday that “thugs” forced their way into the building, started fires and took hostages before security reinforcements killed several attackers in a gunfight that also claimed the lives of two civilians and two officers. “Six hostages were successfully rescued,” it said, citing the ministry of public security. Local police confirmed the report and said they were planning countermeasures. “It’s true,” an officer at Hotan police station said by phone. “We are all awaiting assignment.” He declined to give his name or further details. This version of events is disputed by the World Uighur Congress, which wants more independence and greater rights for the largely Muslim, ethnic group in Xinjiang. Dilxat Raxit, the Sweden-based spokesman for the WUC, said the shooting occurred in the main bazaar when a large number of locals tried to protest about the “disappearances” of young Uighurs taken away by the security forces. “The Chinese government should not claim this was an attack. It started as a demonstration,” he said. “Many Han migrants have moved into this area and local people are losing their land. Young Uighurs are being illegally imprisoned.” Xinjiang has had several murderous confrontations in recent years. In 2008, 16 police officers were killed in a raid on a paramilitary border police headquarters in Kashgar . The following year, the government says 197, mostly Han Chinese, people were killed in a riot by Uighurs in the regional capital, Urumqi. The unrest is a major concern for the government in Beijing, which is increasingly dependent on Xinjiang for oil, gas and coal to power the economy. Many Han Chinese migrants have moved into the region to cash in on this boom, prompting tensions with the indigenous population. Xinjiang China Protest Jonathan Watts guardian.co.uk

Posted by on July 18, 2011. Filed under News, Politics, World News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.