Editorial
Unrest in China
Protecting minority rights the key
WE are shocked at the continuing unrest in China's Xinjiang region, where ethnic clashes between native Uighurs and ethnic Han Chinese have left over 150 killed, 1,000 injured, and 1,000 arrested. We sincerely hope that the authorities are able to restore order before further bloodshed, and our sincerest condolences go out to the families of the affected.
There can be no excuse for rioting, especially rioting that leads to such appalling death and destruction, no matter what the cause or provocation, and we unequivocally condemn those who are guilty of the mayhem.
However, once the dust has settled, the Chinese government would do well to address the legitimate grievances of the native Uighurs of Xinjiang province. As both a religious and ethnic minority, they have long been marginalised, suffered discriminatory treatment, and remained economically backward and powerless compared to the ethnic Han Chinese who have migrated to the province and now make up almost half of its population.
Tensions between the Uighur and the Han have long existed due to the government's encouragement of Han migration to the province that the Uighurs feel has eroded both their culture and their opportunities.
The Uighurs, who are Muslim, have also long suffered restrictions on their religious practices. The authorities must take on board and address these grievances if unrest is not to occur again.
Similarly, how it handles the current situation is crucial. One hopes that the government will not take sides, will act with restraint, and will ensure that state violence and arbitrary arrests and other measures that will only fan the flames of further discontent are kept to a minimum.
Ultimately, as with any state and any minority, the Chinese government must recognise that it has a special responsibility towards the Uighurs, as it does towards all of its ethnic and religious minorities. If it takes the extra step to protect their rights and interests and address their concerns, the tensions in the province could be defused.
Bangladesh being a country friendly to China and wishing her well, is opposed to any separatist inclination and external interference in the affairs of a state. Having said that, we look forward to China playing an exemplary role in the matter of protecting ethnic and minority rights.
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