Uyghur Americans Remember 15th Anniversary of Urumqi Massacre

The Urumqi Massacre is remembered as a tragic event in China’s history, marking a significant point in the oppression of ethnic minorities. According to official sources, 197 people were killed and 1700 were injured during the riots, but human rights organizations believe these numbers are much higher.

Dolkun Isa, President of the World Uyghur Congress, described the massacre as a turning point from ethnic segregation to genocidal policies by China. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has intensified its control over the East Turkistan region, using counterterrorism as a pretext.

Genocidal activities continue in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), despite international criticism. The CCP has been accused of forced labor and stripping Uyghurs of their political, social, and cultural rights, leading to the erosion of Uyghur identity and customs.

In response to the Urumqi riots, the CCP made mass arrests, detained people, and increased security operations in East Turkestan. This has resulted in XUAR becoming one of the most heavily monitored areas globally, with advanced technology used to track and control the population.

China’s actions in XUAR and the Urumqi Massacre have led to international condemnation and strained relations. Human rights organizations have called for sanctions and other measures against China.

To commemorate the Urumqi Massacre, the Uyghur diaspora held events worldwide. The World Uyghur Congress organized a protest in front of the United Nations Office in Geneva to honor the victims of the peaceful demonstrations.

The Urumqi Massacre highlights critical issues of ethnic human rights, regional stability, international relations, and China’s state policies. Addressing these issues requires a nuanced and informed approach, considering the region’s historical, cultural, and socio-political complexities.