Xinjiang official vows to continue ‘intense’ campaign against separatists
Remarks come after Human Rights Watch reported fresh evidence authorities were sweeping up citizens’ personal information to police population
Xinjiang deputy party secretary Zhu Hailun on Tuesday said the government would continue its campaign against separatists, and that the troubled far western region was “stable” thanks to its efforts.
Speaking at the Xinjiang delegation meeting during the National People’s Congress in Beijing, the deputy party chief of one of China’s most repressive areas said the fight against separatists was “intense” and the government would not let its guard down.
“Through the efforts that the people of Xinjiang have made, the region’s overall situation has been stable. The people’s sense of security has grown,” Zhu said. “A stable situation benefits Xinjiang’s economy and leads the people to better lives.”
Ethnic violence has killed hundreds of people in the tense Xinjiang region in recent years, and the authorities have ramped up security, with a heavy police presence on the streets, religious restrictions and a re-education programme. Xinjiang is home to at least 11 million mostly Muslim Uygurs.
Chinese security officials say the sprawling region harbours separatist and religious extremist elements.
