Conflict Between Chinese Uyghurs and Chinese Government

An incident involving Chinese Uyghurs led to the death of dozens on July 28. The Chinese government claims that a huge mob of attackers in Xinjiang province launched co-ordinated attacks with knives and axes on a number of targets including two towns and police buildings. The official Xinhua news agency released a terse report indicating that the attack killed dozens of civilians, while "dozens" more of the attackers were killed by responding law enforcement officers. The New York Times reports that Uyghurs contest that the incident can be blamed on police, who opened fire on a political demonstration and caused subsequent rioting. In addition to the civilian casualties, a minimum of 13 police officers were killed responding to the active rebellion. [SOURCE]

The Uyghur are a Turkic ethnic group living in Central and Eastern Asia. They are predominantly Muslim, and the conflict broke out over the way the Chinese government has restricted their observance of Eid al-Fitr. It also might have been sparked by the recent police killing of an Uyghur family in a nearby town.

It is unclear now whether the violence was started by the rioters or police, but at this time dozens are dead, and the conflict lacks resolution.

PLEASE PRAY:

-That the conflict will end.
-That both sides would find reconciliation.
-That this would provide an opportunity for healing between the government and the Uyghur people.
-That God will use this tragedy to create a powerful testimony in Xinjiang province and around the world.