China maintains tight grip in Xinjiang torch relay
Tuesday, 17 Jun 2008 09:40
Cities locked down and onlookers handpicked as Xinjiang leg of Olympic torch relay begins in western China
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Police maintained an iron grip on security in western China as the latest leg of the Olympic torch relay began in restive Xinjiang.
The western province, which occupies one sixth of China's territory, is home to a mainly Muslim, Turkic-speaking population which is pushing for greater autonomy.
But the torch route was lined overwhelmingly with Han Chinese as the relay began in provincial capital Urumqi.
According to reports, Chinese officials handpicked onlookers to take to the streets ahead of the relay.
The overseas legs of the Olympic torch relay were largely overshadowed by protests at Chinese rule in Tibet.
There has been no unrest as the torch has passed through China itself ahead of the August Olympics, but officials are concerned disruptions could take place in Xinjiang and Tibet, which is due to receive the torch this weekend.
Over the past year Beijing claims to have foiled three terrorist plots by Xinjiang Uighur separatists targeting the Olympics.