In a recent development, Chinese authorities have shut down water wells dug by Uyghur farmers in three villages near the Taklamakan Desert in Xinjiang. These villages, including Achchiq, are located in Yopurgha County, part of the Kashgar Prefecture, where the population is predominantly Uyghur.
The closure follows the discovery of 46 illegal wells in another Xinjiang area, dug mainly by Han Chinese settlers for agriculture, which have not been addressed by authorities. Videos shared by Zumrat Dawut, a former Uyghur internment camp detainee now in Virginia, show the destruction of these wells, highlighting the harsh impact on the local community.
Local security directors confirmed the closure of wells in villages 6, 7, and 8, starting February 2024, and in Terim village, forcing residents to buy water from the state-run Production and Construction Corps. These actions have sparked concerns about the community's strained access to water and resources.
These are the people in charge of making and enforcing rules in China, a big country in Asia.
Uyghurs are a group of people who live in Xinjiang, a region in China. They have their own culture and language, and some of them work as farmers.
Wells are deep holes dug into the ground to find water. Farmers use this water to grow their crops.
Xinjiang is a large area in the northwestern part of China. It is home to many different groups of people, including the Uyghurs.
These are wells that were dug without permission from the government. The government says they should not be there.
Han Chinese are the largest ethnic group in China. Some of them have moved to Xinjiang, where the Uyghurs live.
Zumrat Dawut is a person who made videos showing what happened to the wells. She is helping people see what is going on.
This is a group or company that is controlled by the government. They provide services like water to the people.
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