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March 25, 2002,
Abdullah Pamir reports from East Turkistan.
In aftermath of September 11, Chinese authorities
launched a political campaign "To fight against
separatism in Xinjiang" that is seriously disrupting
lives of local people. In particular in schools, various
political study campaigns have replaced school
curriculum, and the normal school life has completely
been paralyzed.
Protesting this situation, on March 14, Ablikim Yaqup, a
student of Kashgar Secondary School # 4, climbed on a
flag pole in front of the school, took off the Chinese
flag, and teared it. The absence of the flag was not
noticed for three days. After several days, Ablikim
wrote an anonymous letter to the school principle,
Parhat. Ablikim wrote,
"Principle Parhat, stop nonsense political studies, and
let us study our normal classes. If you don't, I learned
how to make a bomb in my chemistry class, and I will not
hesitate to make and use it. I am the person who took
the Chinese flag off, and I would put the East
Turkistani flag on its place if I found one. You should
know that we, the students of sixth grade, are ready for
a battle."
The school administration reported immediately to their
authorities about this incident. The local city
government was confused on what to do.
The city communist party and police chiefs gathered at
the school to resolve this issue. Police intensively
searched the school premises.
They inspected handwritings of all students and singled
out Ablikim.
Ablikim was immediately arrested and interrogated.
Ablikim told to police everything about his deeds and
motives without any fear.
After the incident the school principle, Parhat, and a
teacher responsible for Ablikim's class were fired, and
the authorities hold them responsible for the incident. |
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