15 things to know about China's torture of Uyghur Muslims!
The Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region is China’s largest provincial unit, accounting for one sixth of the Chinese territory. Though this region does not belong to the country as it was occupied by it in 1949.
The area has been known by various names, including East Turkestan. East Turkestan was always an independent state. Though different dynasties have ruled in this area as it was a rich source of natural resources.
During the period of 1949 , the government of East Turkestan was on its way to make a decision regarding its being a Free State but they all were killed in a plane crash. It is suspected that China was behind this incident. Soon after it, China occupied East Turkestan and renamed it Xinjiang which means “New Territory”.
China’s Muslim Uyghurs Forbidden to Fast During Ramadan
Chinese authorities in Xinjiang Province have issued a notice that any Uyghur cadres or workers found not eating lunch during Ramadan could lose their jobs.
It is part of the campaign of local authorities in Xinjiang, home to the Muslim Uyghur ethnic group, to force the Uyghur people to give up their religious rituals during the fasting month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is a holy month in the Islamic calendar, which begun this year on Aug. 22. It requires not eating during the daytime.
“Free lunches, tea, and coffee—that authorities are calling ‘Care from the government’ or ‘Living allowance’—are being offered in government departments and companies. But it is actually a ploy used to find out who is fasting,” said Dilxat Raxit, World Uyghur Congress spokesman, speaking to The Epoch Times.
According to Dilxat, Uyghur Communist Party cadres throughout Xinjiang had been forced to sign “letters of responsibility” promising to avoid fasting and other religious activities. They are also responsible for enforcing the policy in their assigned areas, and face punishment if anyone in these areas fasts.
For the first time, Dilxat said, the crackdown has extended to retired Communist Party members. Current cadres are required to visit them to prevent them from participating in the fast. If anyone violates the ban, local leaders will be held responsible and severely punished, he said.
Muslim restaurant owners are forced to sign a document to remain open and continue selling alcohol during Ramadan or have their licenses revoked, he said.
Read more @ The Epoc Times