Ethnic groups hope to mend tainted relations

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-07-12 09:44

"Many buyers are Han people. We bargain price and talk jokes a lot. It's so natural and comfortable for us to do so because we've been living as neighbors for decades.

"These days they still come to buy. But I don't know how to face them, though I know the violence has nothing to do with most of Uygur people. I have a feeling I owe something to them," Abudukeyimu said. "This is really a bad experience."

Abulajiang, also living in Duolang Village, worried about negative results in a long run.

"If our society is unstable, investors will be scared away and tourists stop coming. It will do no good to anyone here," said the 29-year-old man.

"Our life is getting better and better. Now a small group of people began to do damages. I really don't understand," he said.

Abulajiang planned to open a cotton processing factory this October if he can obtain a low-interest loan of two million yuan (about 293,000 US dollars). He believed the business would have a good prospect because the government provides subsidies to the business.

Ma Changzheng, a Han businessman from Urumqi who is currently in Aksu, said he believed the ethnic relationship will resume, though it would take time.

"I grow up in Xinjiang. I know very well that no ethnic group can live alone without others," he said.

Abudukeyimu also expressed his belief that the difficult situation at present will pass as long as "perpetrators are punished according to law and their attempts to sabotage are clearly known by all the people."

"I hope this process won't take too long," he added.

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