EASTERN TURKISTAN INFORMATION CENTER

Date: February 10, 1997

From: THE WORLD UYGHUR NETWORK NEWS, WUNN (Special Report), Feb.10, 1997

Our center was informed from Urumchi, that on February 6, 1997, there were serious clashes between Uyghurs and Chinese police in Ghulje City (Inin) of Eastern Turkistan (Uyghuristan). 32 Uyghurs and many Chinese police and military officers were killed in the riots, and hundreds were injured.

These events happened during Ramadan just two days before Islamic holiday Ramadan Eid. According to our source, the riot began when Chinese police attempted to arrest two Uyghur talips (religious school students) from the mosque during religious service. Angered by such insult to their religious rights, worshipers refused to surrender the students. A fight broke out and the policemen opened a gun fire killing two Uyghurs in the mosque.

Infuriated crowd unarmed and stubbed the policemen. The Chinese were have to send a large reinforcement consisting of secrete police and military officers to disperse the crowd. Shortly after, people in surrounding areas and mosques learned on what happened and took to the streets organizing demonstrations against the Chinese rule in Eastern Turkistan (Uyghuristan). After severe clashes with the military and police, about 32 Uyghurs were killed and much more were seriously injured.

Chinese officials in Urumchi claim that at present situation is under control in Ghulje. Hundreds of the Uyghurs were arrested. Nevertheless, our source say that riots still continue in several places in Ghulje.

In response to this massacre by the Chinese military and police, Uyghur Students and refuges in Turkey and Germany staged demonstrations burning Chinese National flags and portraits of Zhang Zemin.