Xinjiang after attacks: No hint of fear as nightlife thrives
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E-mail CNTV, July 4, 2013
After a succession of terrorist attacks in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Xinjiang authorities have dispatched 50 high-ranking officials to key parts of the region to help maintain public security and calm. Meanwhile, the authorities say there are still some suspects at large, and have listed 11 persons as wanted fugitives.
As night falls in Xinjiang, there’s no hint of danger or fear in the darkness. Quite the opposite, here on the streets of Urumqi, there’s a thriving nightlife.
There’s a mixture of nearly 50 ethnic groups here. They may believe in different religions and lead different lifestyles, but one thing they have in common is that everyone here welcomes a party on a warm, clear summer night like this one.
The cheerful mood and warm hospitality are impressive… And during our interview, we’re invited to a party by four people from four different ethnic minorities.
CCTV reporter Han Peng said, “Wooow, Xinjiang barbecue is amazing. Local people told us that when you come to Xinjiang, this is something you must taste. But before we came here, our friends in Beijing repeatedly warned us about safety. They warned us not to go out at night because the streets could be dangerous.”
For those who’ve never been here, we could imagine that might be a concern. Just last week, a violent attack took place in Shanshan, just a few hundreds of miles away from Urumqi. 24 people were killed when men armed with swords broke into their homes at midnight. A second attack was organized to take place in Hotan, but was foiled by local police, as a group wielding deadly weapons started to gather.
The nation was shocked, and the authorities stepped up their response: striking down hard on the first signs of terrorism.
A high-profile military parade was carried out in Urumqi’s city center and the police patrol on the street 24-7.
But for ordinary people, life goes on as usual, even at midnight.
Later we will still go to KTV places or parties.
There is a strong sense of safety and it’s been an amazing night, shared by some wonderful people from diverse backgrounds and religious beliefs.
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