CPC paper urges resolute crackdown on terrorism

An unfaltering crackdown on terrorism, extremism and separatism must be maintained as an "impregnable fortress" for social stability, the People's Daily, the flagship newspaper of the Communist Party of China (CPC), said in a Monday commentary.

"Leaving traces of their evildoings across the world, the 'three forces' have instigated ethical hatred, fueled religious fanaticism, carried out violent terrorist activities, slaughtered innocent people and created riots," the article said.

According to the commentary, the "three forces" of terrorism, extremism and separatism were behind the recent violent attacks in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, attempting to create chaos in the region and separate the country.

The ruthless attacks by 16 knife-wielding religious extremists Wednesday in Shanshan County of Turpan Prefecture killed 24 people, including 16 people from the Uygur ethnic group. Local police shot and killed 11 of the rioters and apprehended the other five.

According to the commentary, the country's war against the "three forces" is a life-or-death bout between maintaining national unity and separatist attempts, between ethnic unity and attempts to instigate ethnic vendettas, and between maintaining social stability and attempts to create commotions.

While resolute crackdowns on these forces have effectively stemmed their terrorist activities, the article noted that their evil intentions have not died and people must see clearly their nature as anti-social, anti-humanist and anti-civilization, as well as their extreme brutality and danger.

Calling for an equally intense focus on development and stability, the commentary urged strong and effective measures to crack down on violent terrorist crimes as well as severe punishments for violators to ensure a safe and harmonious Xinjiang.