Separatism a concern with new riots expected
- Source: Global Times
- [08:20 March 08 2010]
- Comments
Fighting separatism in Xinjiang would be a long-term, complicated and tough task, said Xinjiang government head Nur Berkri Sunday.
Nur Berkri, chairman of the Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous regional government, said the situation of fighting separatism was still grave as the separatist forces, despite being hit hard after the July 5 riots, would not accept their failure and were likely to "make more troubles."
The secessionists would become more violent and would launch new attacks, he said.
Nur Berkri made the remarks at a press conference during this year's NPC session.
China has sentenced 198 people involved in 97 cases in connection with the deadly riots.
"The investigation, prosecution and trial are going on, and the final figure of the people sentenced will be more than that," Nur Berkri said.
The riots on July 5 in Urumqi, the regional capital, left 197 people dead and over 1,700 injured.
Internet access partially restored after the riots, but full access need more time, the official said.
So far, Xinjiang Internet users had access to all commercial websites and 31 popular portal websites, such as xinhuanet.com and sohu.com, he said, adding that it would not "take long" for people to have a full access to the Internet.
Xinhua – Global Times
