[ETIC,12/4/1997] On December 1, 2 pro-government Uyghur policemen were killed in Avat, Aksu. It was reported that they were actively involved in arresting Uyghurs suspected in activities to establish an independent Eastern Turkistan. According to a recent report by the official Urumchi Evening News newspaper, the Chinese government re-launched in Eastern Turkistan a campaign called "Winter Hard Strike" to fight crime in the region. In fact, the main targets of the Strike Hard campaign in Eastern Turkistan are the pro-independence movement and unofficial religious activities. It is reported that, all over China, the Chinese police frequently and arbitrarily stops the Uyghurs and requests to present personal identification cards. Those without cards are detained until their identity is proved. [Abduljelil Karakash]
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