UCA News
Contribute

China's Xinjiang residents told to fight terror with a frown

Officials say menacing stares are almost as useful as wooden clubs
China's Xinjiang residents told to fight terror with a frown

Picture: The Telegraph/Reuters

Published: August 22, 2014 05:23 AM GMT
Updated: August 22, 2014 01:59 AM GMT

Communist Party officials have told residents of China’s violence-stricken west to add a new weapon to their armoury for fighting the country’s war on terror: the frown.

Inhabitants of Xinjiang, a predominantly Muslim region that is currently the setting for a major security crackdown, should use the “angry stare” as a way of intimidating terror suspects, according to official advice circulated this week on Wechat, the popular social networking service.

Xinjiang has witnessed growing inter-ethnic bloodshed over the past two years, something experts blame on both increasing religious radicalisation and frustration at Beijing’s heavy-handed policies among the region’s Uighur ethnic minority.

A recent wave of deadly attacks on civilians in other parts of China, including Beijing, has also been blamed on Islamic extremists from Xinjiang.

 

The escalating violence has led Beijing to declare a 'people's war on terror" and government-run newspapers are now filled with almost daily reports about anti-terror drills taking place in the region.

One such drill, in Hailiwafu village near the city of Kashgar, on the ancient Silk Road, saw officials advise locals on six “super weapons” that could be used to repel attackers.

The mostly conventional list, which was later shared on Wechat, included pitchforks, wooden clubs and spades, all of which officials said could be used to bludgeon assailants into submission.

However, the officials also urged villagers to launch “mental attacks” on their foes, foiling potential assailants by staring at them menacingly. An accompanying photograph showed villagers eyeing the camera more out of bemusement than malice.

The “stern look” technique was given four out of six stars for effectiveness, compared to the wooden club which received six out of six and was described as “a must-have for rural homes all over Xinjiang”.

Activists have warned that Beijing’s security clampdown risks further alienating the country’s Uighur population.

 

Full Story: China tells villagers to fight terror by frowning

Source:The Telegraph

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia