World

Uyghur Organisation accuses Chinese authorities of banning Eid celebrations in Xinjiang

In stark contrast to global Muslim festivities marking Eid al-Adha, the Centre for Uyghur Studies has accused the Chinese government of intensifying its crackdown on Islamic practices in Xinjiang, historically known as East Turkistan.

Traditionally celebrated as the Festival of Sacrifice, Eid al-Adha holds deep cultural and religious significance for Muslims worldwide.

However, the Centre for Uyghur Studies highlighted that Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang are being denied the right to observe this important occasion due to severe restrictions imposed by Chinese authorities since 2017.

“For centuries, Uyghur Muslims have joyously celebrated Eid alongside the global Muslim community,” the Centre stated in a public announcement on X.

“Yet, in recent years, they have faced increasing suppression under Chinese occupation, particularly since 2017,” it added.

Under the current regime, Chinese policies have allegedly criminalised Islamic practices and banned religious festivals like Eid al-Adha.

The Centre for Uyghur Studies emphasised that Uyghur Muslims have diligently preserved their Islamic heritage despite decades of Chinese rule but now face what they describe as a “genocide” by Chinese authorities.

This accusation refers to widespread reports of mass detentions, forced labour, and coercive assimilation practices targeting Uyghur and other Muslim-majority populations in the region.

“Eid al-Adha traditionally embodies the values of sacrifice, compassion, and devotion,” the Centre’s statement continued. “For Uyghur Muslims, it serves as a reminder of their membership in the global Muslim community, despite the challenges they currently face.”

The Chinese government has consistently denied allegations of human rights abuses in Xinjiang, asserting that its policies are necessary measures against separatism and terrorism.

However, international scrutiny and condemnation have grown, with several countries and human rights organisations calling for independent investigations into the situation.

As Muslims across the world celebrate Eid al-Adha, the plight of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing cultural and religious tensions within China’s western regions.

The Centre for Uyghur Studies and other advocacy groups continue to advocate for global awareness and action to address what they view as systematic persecution and cultural erasure.

ANI

Ani service

Recent Posts

Lebanon: Israel conducts precision airstrikes on Hezbollah’s UAV production, storage sites and drone workshop

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) shared operational details of conducting precision strikes at Hezbollah targets in…

2 hours ago

Productive discussions on connectivity, security, terrorism: Jaishankar at India-Central Asia Dialogue

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, chairing the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue in Delhi on Thursday,…

3 hours ago

Tata Electronics, BEL join hands to advance India’s electronics, semiconductors ecosystem

Tata Electronics and state-owned firm Bharat Electronics (BEL) have joined hands to advance the development…

3 hours ago

Israel’s Defence Minister slams Lebanese President for criticizing strikes on Hezbollah

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz responded to criticism leveled at Israel by Lebanese President Joseph…

4 hours ago

ETGE alleges Uyghur militants in Syria exploited by Chinese Intelligence, seeks US support

The East Turkistan Government in Exile expresses deep concern regarding the purported incorporation of Uyghur…

5 hours ago

“All good work is indeed left for me only to complete,” says PM Modi as he inaugurates major railway projects in J-K

Noting that the newly inaugurated Chenab and Anji Bridges will not only connect Jammu and…

5 hours ago