Murder of Xinjiang religious leader deplorable

The appalling murder of Jume Tahir, a renowned Islamic religious leader in Xinjiang, is another flagrant challenge by the violent terrorists to the common rules of the entire human society and it can by no means be tolerated.

Police have shot dead two suspects and captured another in their investigation of the murder of the imam of China's largest mosque, the Id Kah Mosque in the city of Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

The 74-year-old was killed on Wednesday morning after he finished hosting the morning prayer.

Police investigation found that the suspects have been influenced by religious extremism.

By committing the bloodshed, the terrorists and the religious extremist forces behind them have once again trampled on basic human rights and justice and defied the bottom line of humanity and civilization.

Such a barbarous act will not be accepted in any country or community around the world.

It is also a reminder that heavy-handed measures and decisive actions are needed to combat terrorism and the fight will not allow even a moment of slackness.

It should be clearly understood that the anti-terror efforts will be a long-term and arduous work facing complicated situations.

The terrorists have brazenly violated Chinese law and it is for sure that they will eventually be brought to justice.

The recent killing has also revealed the evil nature of terrorism, separatism and extremism.

The patriotic, peaceful, moderate, lenient and benevolent ideas in the Islamic teachings need to be further promoted and the extremist elements should be opposed.

The terrorists thought their violent attacks will help them achieve their separatist intentions, and facts will tell them that they will never make it.

Xinhua News Agency

(China Daily 08/02/2014 page5)