Mark Moon / 4.4.08 / 12:14 PM / Ethnic Conflict
In an interview with Uigher leaders, Newsweek discussed the issue of tackling China and its recent crackdowns in Uigher territories and Tibet. The region is home to a majority Muslim population, near the border of Tibet. Recently, Chinese officials have implemented a 10 PM curfew to help stem the tide of protests and proceeded to ban Muslim women from wearing traditional headscarves. This triggered another series of protests, this time by Muslim women outraged that they could not follow religious norms due to the ban on headscarves. Following 9/11, Chinese officials labeled the Uigher as terrorists, and have since clamped down on the people in the region. When asked how the Uigher felt about the Tibetan struggle, they responded with empathy/sympathy. The Uigher are experiencing many of the same trials Tibet faces, and are very supportive of the Dalai Lama. They are currently urging the Chinese government to open a dialogue with both Tibet and the Uigher people to grant some form of autonomy.
Currently, the World Uigher Congress is planning a massive, peaceful protest in Turkey as the Olympic Flame passes through.
It isn't surprising to see another territory in China rising up against their oppressive government. They have set up curfews, denied religious rights, and clamped down on the Uigher people much in the same way they handled Tibet. Perhaps they will have better success than the Dalai Lama and his people.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/130198
1 comment:
I cannot believe that they have begun to ban scarves these Muslim women wear for religious reasons. The Chinese government has done so many unbelievable things in its past that something this ridiculous becomes easy to believe...
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