Terrorists are Xinjiang’s public enemy No.1

Source:Global Times Published: 2012-12-12 1:15:09

Three failed suicide bombers were given death penalties and one was sentenced to life imprisonment yesterday for attempting to hijack and blow up a domestic flight in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in June. This is the upholding of justice and a response to terrorism.

These four criminals are all young Uyghurs. They were highly influenced by extremism. They ran into terrorism before having the capability to understand the notion of nation, democracy and freedom, and ruined their own lives.

Terrorism has constantly emerged in Xinjiang in recent years. It is associated with international anti-China forces and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). The Internet has made it easier for extremism to penetrate Xinjiang. The Xinjiang government has been making efforts to achieve social development while conducting an anti-terrorism fight.

This is a difficult job. Society is progressing, while at the same time meeting new challenges in social management. ETIM, with the notorious Chinese separatist Rebiya Kadeer as its leader, is publicly sheltered by the West and is trying to disturb Xinjiang in various ways.

Those like Rebiya are clear that their aim of separating China can never be achieved. People with any political sense in Xinjiang will never follow them.

This is a brutal political game. The chaotic situation in Xinjiang will mean people like Rebiya have more value to the West, and consequently they will receive more financing from organizations backed by the West. The funds received by ETIM's overseas cells are traded for the lives of many innocent but ignorant terrorists in Xinjiang.

To the West, spending money to support separatists in Xinjiang and Tibet can at least create some problems in China's ethnic areas, distracting the authorities from their focus. It is an effective tool for them.

In fact, Rebiya and terrorists in Xinjiang are public enemies. They are exacting a high price for local development by creating an impression of instability there, hurting the confidence of investors and tourists. Fighting terrorism is not only aimed at securing a normal life, but also future economic competitiveness. Xinjiang has made proud achievements in the broad central Asian region. The situation should be cherished by all Xinjiang residents.

ETIM overseas cells will shed some "tears" as the hijackers are sentenced by Chinese authorities. But inside, they hope for more incidents to happen in Xinjiang. Overseas extremists will continue to create problems, but there are few stooges they can use in Xinjiang.

Posted in: Editorial

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