Xinjiang Regional Officials Next To Uighur Muslims When Their Press Conference Denies Human Rights Issues

Uighurs and Xinjiang Islamic figures in a press release (M. Irfan Ilmie / Antara)

JAKARTA - Figures from the Uighur Muslim ethnic minority, workers and graduates of a vocational camp in China's Xinjiang autonomous region met with a number of foreign media crews in Beijing, Monday, December 21. Local officials were next to them when representatives expressed their denial of human rights issues.

Those who came from various cities in Xinjiang gave testimonials about the current situation in their area. While speaking, they sat with local officials. Abulhasan Tursunniyaz, as the preacher of the Jamik City Hotan Mosque, explained the normal activities of his congregation in carrying out their daily worship activities.

"Muslim youth there as usual study the Koran, Shohih Bukhari hadiths, and religious sciences. Some study in mosques, at XII (Xinjiang Islamic Institute) in Urumqi and seven other areas, and some are learning through religion. or books published by the Xinjiang Islamic Association, "he said.

Tursunnisa Ali, a graduate of the Hotan City vocational camp, admits that her standard of living has improved after being accepted into a textile company. "Initially I was paid 2,000 yuan per month (Rp. 4.3 million). Then I got a promotion until now my salary has increased to 5,000 yuan (Rp. 10.8 million)," said the Uighur woman worker.

Likewise, Shirali Mamtmin said that her job at a garment factory in Hotan was based on a contract with a piece rate. "My friends and I work not because we are forced to work, but because we need money. We live in a dormitory with complete facilities, a halal canteen is provided at our workplace," he said in Uighur, which is translated into Mandarin by an interpreter.

Ablajan Ablat with Mandarin language skills and skills obtained from the vocational camp can finally open a business. The same thing was conveyed by Pazaliya Uksun from Aksu City. The scene at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) International Press Center was different from usual because of their arrival.

Usually Uighurs and local religious leaders only provide testimonials via video or virtual press conferences. Now, they travel more than 3,000 kilometers from the area to Beijing to simply meet face to face with reporters from various countries in Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America.