China honours Xinjiang residents for fighting terrorists

Urumqi, June 18: The government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region honoured its residents with titles and rewards for fighting terrorists.

The two groups of people, one from Hotan city and another from Pishan county, both in south-western Xinjiang region, received certificates of honour, medals and rewards worth 300,000 yuan (around $48,400) and 200,000 yuan ($32,152) respectively, while being praised for their heroic action, Xinhua reported.

In June, three assailants with axes entered a games room in Hotan City and attacked civilians playing chess and cards.

Shopkeepers rushed to defend their neighbours with sticks and fire extinguishers on hearing the alarm calls, killing two attackers in the clash. The third assailant was arrested by police.

In late May, six villagers in Sangzhu Town of Pishan county found three suspicious people with knives and explosive devices.

The villagers were attacked by the three when they enquired about the arms.

The villagers captured the three suspected terrorists, and seized many daggers, knives and 12 explosive devices from them.

Since Xinjiang has launched a special anti-terrorism campaign, all ethnic groups have pledged "zero tolerance" for terrorism, Xinhua reported.

Many ordinary people join forces with the government and the police in the fight against terrorists.

The Xinjiang government also said these heroes manifest confidence and resolve of all ethnic groups in supporting the campaign against terrorists.

IANS