The recent spate of terrorist attacks in Xinjiang has caused heavy loss of life and outraged local communities. Senior officials say it's believed the attacks are acts of terrorism rather than motivated by ethnicity or religion.

Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, is home to 2 million Han Chinese, and about 1 million more ethnic minorities.

This cosmopolitan city is a major crossroads, where several cultures and religions meet and live peacefully together.

Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang, is home to 2 million Han Chinese, and about 1 million more ethnic minorities.

But just this week, two cities not far from Urumqi, were affected by organised violence. One attack took place in Shanshan. Twenty four people were killed within a matter of minutes, after men armed with swords broke into their homes at midnight. A second attack was being organised in Hetian, but was foiled by local police as a group wielding deadly weapons started to gather.

“Real Muslims would never participate in such activities. These people are committing crimes against humanity.”

“They try to destroy the unity and peaceful coexistence of different ethnic groups. The development of Xinjiang and strengthening of ethnic bonds is good for us all, no matter our ethnic identity.”

“Islam is a peaceful religion. What the murderers have done goes completely against the doctrines of the Koran. This is not an ethnic or religious conflict. This is a sheer act of terrorism.”Abdul Aziz Matnasir Hatip, Imam Mosa Kazim Mosque, Hetian County, said.

A high-profile military parade in downtown Urumqi… The central government has ordered an all-out effort to maintain public order and protect people's safety.

Meng Jianzhu, Member of CPC Central Committee Politburo, said, “The recent bloody attacks in Xinjiang show that the terrorists are determined to cause chaos in the region. We must take action to crack down on the criminals and restore people's sense of security.”

For ordinary people, harmony and co-existence among different cultures is still what can be seen on the streets of Urumqi.

“We have no fear, because we know that justice will always overcome evil.”

The recent violent attacks in Xinjiang have focused the public's attention. People here are outraged, but as we see life goes on, and the people here are enjoying this peaceful Sunday morning. The people of Xinjiang are confident and determined, that no matter what, life will go on as usual.

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