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Ethnic groups hope to mend tainted relations

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-07-12 09:44

AKSU, Xinjiang: Nearly one week has passed since the deadly violence in far northwestern China's Urumqi City, the shockwave of the riot still can be felt even in a farmhouse 1,000 km away from the capital of Xinjiang.

Standing in his vine-covered yard on the outskirt of Aksu City in the south Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Abudukeyimu Yibulayin said he was still shocked and saddened by what happened on July 5, though none of people he knows got hurt.

"I watched TV news (about the incident). I never thought they (the rioters) could do such cruel things to innocent people. They by no means represent our Uygur people, but I'm afraid it hurts our relations with Han people now," the 51-year-old Uygur farmer told Xinhua Saturday.

The death toll from the riot in Urumqi rose to 184 as of 11 pm Friday, according to the information office of the regional government.

The Chinese government said the violence in Urumqi had a "profound" political background, and it was a serious crime masterminded and organized by the "three forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism at home and abroad.

"I agree. We Uygur and Han people have been living together peacefully for many years. The perpetrators must be strongly condemned," Abudukeyimu said.

Aksu is home to some 1.82 million Uygur people, almost 75 percent of the total population. Well-known for its glorious past as a key town along the ancient Silk Road, the city is emerging as a big fruit producer and exporter in Xinjiang.

Business went as usual on Saturday around the city, with almost all shops opening and markets crowded with stands selling meat, fruit and vegetable. However, armed police were seen at several major intersections in the downtown.

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"Aksu has a long history of coexistence of various ethnic groups because it's situated on the central part of the Silk Road. The Han and Uygur people have been used to living like neighbors," said Du Meiju, curator of the Aksu Museum and an ethnic Han.

"For example, we invite people to celebrate both Muslim festivals such as Ramadan and the Han Spring Festival," she said.

Abudukeyimu often brings fruit and vegetable from his orchard in Duolang Village to a nearby bazaar to sell.

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