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In an effort to improve public safety, the
Chinese government is tightening controls over the sale of dangerous chemicals, reports the Associated Press.
Individuals or companies in Xinjiang wishing to buy dangerous chemicals will
have to register with an identification card or business license. Purchases of
even more toxic chemicals will require
certificates of permission from their local police. The order comes amid
tensions in the region''s capital, Urumqi, after
violence in July between members the native Uighur ethnic group and China''s
majority Han that left 197 dead. A recent series of needle attacks sparked
street protests last week in which authorities say five were killed. Hoping to
ease public anger, Beijing removed Urumqi''s Communist Party boss and Xinjiang''s police chief recently. The report did not
list the restricted chemicals by name, although the order appeared directed at
controlling caustic or potentially explosive substances that could be used in
terrorist attacks. Xinjiang has long been home to a low-frequency Uighur
separatist insurgency. The report said chemical dealers must be licensed and
keep detailed records of all sales, including the intended uses. The government
has blamed the rioting and the needle attacks on the separatists. In a public notice, Xinjiang''s Public
Security Department said police received 77 reports of new needle
attacks between in a 24-hour period recently in Urumqi. Previously, about 530
people had reported attacks, but only about 100 showed physical signs such as
scratches or puncture wounds. The government has
vowed harsh punishment for those who committed the attacks, including sentences
of 3 years to life in prison or even the death penalty. Those who falsely
report needle attacks to cause public fear will also face punishment.
