Safe but cautious in Urumqi
- Source: Global Times
- [03:34 July 02 2010]
- Comments
A security guard inspects the bags of visitors outside the International Grand Bazaar Thursday.
By Lin Meilian in Urumqi, Xinjiang
A year after deadly riots in Xinjiang left hundreds dead and many more injured, life in the regional capital isn't the same these days for residents and business owners who rely on tourists to stay afloat.
The streets of Urumqi, capital of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, have been generally free of violence since the July 5 riots.
"We trust our government has everything under control," a local car dealer Guo Jianxin said, pointing to a notice with the phone numbers of police stations. "Police promised to come within eight minutes."
He said 54 of his cars were torched and two of his employees were injured during the riots.
Guo closed his business after the deadly riots and reopened it five months later but estimated he lost 6.8 million yuan ($1 million) in revenues.
But Guo believes the local police can effectively maintain order.
A Uyghur woman, who identified herself only as Sattar and operates a shop at the touristy International Grand Bazaar, told the Global Times Thursday that the streets are safe but business has been slower.
"Tourists are afraid to come here," she said. "I used to sell hundreds of scarves a day, now I'm happy if I could sell a few dozen."
Days before the anniversary, which is Sunday, the city has been relatively calm, thanks in part to several new initiatives.
