China scales back paramilitary forces in Urumqi

[Coventina]

Source: AFP

URUMQI, China — Paramilitary forces withdrew from most of their positions in the Uighur district of Xinjiang's capital Urumqi on Thursday for the first time since unrest that left at least 192 people dead.

A command centre in front of Urumqi's Grand Bazaar was dismantled, shopkeepers said, allowing stores to open for the first time since July 5, when the city experienced the worst ethnic violence in China in decades.

"It is calmer and safer now the soldiers have moved away," one Uighur shopkeeper in the bazaar said on condition of anonymity. He said had his shop had to stay closed longer, most of his stock would have spoiled.

However, paramilitary forces did not leave the district completely, maintaining barricades to prevent vehicles from entering some roads, an AFP reporter witnessed.



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