Armed police officers attend an oath-taking ceremony at the People's Square on Saturday in Urumqi, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. At least 24 civilians and police officers were killed during a recent terrorist attack. Photo: CFP

The Public Security Department of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on Tuesday issued a wanted list for 11 suspects of old attack cases dating back to 2011 and a circular on seizing controlled knives, explosives and banned propaganda on terrorism.

Analysts see the moves as a vital series of counter-terrorist measures drawing on experiences since the massive riots four years ago which killed 192 people.

The department put up a wanted notice Tuesday for 11 suspects involved in eight cases of murder or bombings in the region, dating from June 2011 until recently. The notice claimed multiple murders of civilians, and that government agencies and law enforcement organs had become major targets of bombings.

The circular, released on the public security department's official website, came after a series of riots in Xinjiang recently, including one that took place on June 26 in Shanshan county in Turpan Prefecture, killing 35 including 11 attackers, and one in Hotan on Friday involving over 100 rioters.

Organizations and individuals are required to hand in the forbidden items to local public security organs within 10 days or will be severely punished.

"The intense and strict measures the government has taken now are intended to soothe the public in the region and show the governments' determination to fight against terrorists," Pan Zhiping, a researcher with the Xinjiang Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times.

Zhang Chunxian, Party chief of Xinjiang, said in regional meetings Monday that terrorism is now a major hazard to the stability of Xinjiang and the current situation is harsh and complicated, emphasizing the importance of a strong offensive against crime, especially at the local level.

Yu Zhengsheng, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, also arrived at Urumqi Saturday after a meeting of the Standing Committee Friday night participated in by Party Chief Xi Jinping himself which specifically discussed the issue, requesting that they establish an integrated prevention and response system.

"It is quite obvious that the terrorists are acting before the fourth anniversary of the July 5th riots. Efforts are being made to concentrate to cease the criminal activities and maintain the stability of the region," Pan said.

The public is encouraged to inform on violence and terrorism to local police and will be offered protection and strict confidentiality. Informers can receive awards of 50,000 to 100,000 yuan ($8,154 to $16,308).

A local car sales representative in Kashi told the Global Times that the recent riots did not exert much influence on his normal life, but he supports the strong attacks on terrorism and that he wishes people could learn more about the reality in Xinjiang by visiting.

Nur Bekri, chairman of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, addressed residents on television Monday, asking for unity and determination to fight terrorist crimes that are severely harming the whole society, which is different from ethnic or religious issues.

Li Wei, an expert on anti-terrorism with the Chinese Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times that the handling of recent riots suggested that anti-terrorism at the grass-roots levels is the weak point in the chain, and that speedy response, modern equipment and special anti-terrorism task forces are the key aspects which need improvement, as attacks have started to spread to remote places.

Xinjiang clergy condemn violence, back Party

Representatives of different official religious bodies in China's far west Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on Monday condemned the recent violence that has been afflicting the region.

Some 30 Islamic, Buddhist, Protestant, Catholic and Eastern Orthodox representatives from the regional capital Urumqi stated their firm support for the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the CPC Urumqi committee in their efforts to maintain social stability, and fight terrorism.

The region was hit by a series of deadly attacks during the past two weeks, claiming at least 35 lives.

Xiaokaiti Yiming, a member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Regional Committee, stressed that the region has always put ethnic and religious affairs on top of the agenda.

"Patriots from different religions need to always keep their heads clear and condemn terrorist crimes," Yiming said, urging religious groups to play a critical and responsible role in assisting officials to maintain social stability.

Zhang Chunxian, Party chief of the region, also stated on Monday that the current top priority is to ensure Xinjiang's long-lasting peace and stability. 

Global Times