Measures to curb violence increased in Urumqi

By Hu Yinan, Lei Xiaoxun and Zhao Huanxin (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-07-08 07:38

Many of the protesters began to persuade others to refrain from extreme action, "otherwise those who instigated the deadly Sunday violence would be very happy to see more unrest", a man said while listening to Li.

The crowds spontaneously sang the national anthem and most gradually dispersed in about 40 minutes.

However, more than 50 of them, armed with shovels and wooden sticks, started marching toward Longquan Street, where a well-known Uygur residential area is located and police vehicles were torched on Sunday night.

More than 70 police officers arrived at the scene, and fired rubber bullets to bring the situation under control.

Wang said such confrontations were "entirely unnecessary".

"Everyone should keep a clear mind. It's pointless and heartbreaking if the Han ethnic group target innocent Uygur people," he said.

"Even the families of those who participated in the riots are innocent. We should keep a sober mind and not fall into the trap of our enemies. We should not target our ethnic sisters and brothers."

Before the appeal for calm, groups of Uygurs staged protests Tuesday morning, against the hopes of many in the capital for life to return to normal soon.

At least 200 took to the streets of downtown Urumqi at about 10:30 am Tuesday, during a visit by a group of foreign reporters.

They were reportedly demanding the release of family members whom they said had been taken away by authorities on Monday night.

The authorities are sparing no efforts to protect the security of the people from all ethnic backgrounds, Li said.

More than 1,000 contingency medical squads have been dispatched and more than 20 local hospitals have been designated as part of rescue efforts, authorities said.

"All the injured have received the best medical treatment," Wang said.

The government will support and compensate bereaved families and help restore the businesses of those who suffered losses, he said.

Li said the authorities also had "solid evidence" that Rebiya Kadeer, the leader of the separatist World Uygur Congress, suspected of instigating the attacks, used the Internet and other forms of networks to mobilize rioters.

The government has put temporary restrictions on the Internet and other communication networks.

"Everything will be restored soon after the situation becomes stable," Li said.

Xinhua contributed to the story

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