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Top police chief warns terrorists of 'iron fist'

China.org.cn, August 5, 2011

China's top police officer on Thursday vowed to resolutely crack down on violent crimes and terrorism to ensure the country is safe and stable.

"No matter who it is, if they have broken the law, if they have jeopardized the people's lives and property, if they have engaged in splitting the country or impaired ethnic unity, they will be firmly handled according to law," Public Security Minister Meng Jianzhu said during an anti-terrorism meeting in the region's capital, Urumqi.

Two violent terrorist attacks in Xinjiang's Kashgar city last weekend killed at least 18 people and injuring 42 others.

"Recent occurrences of violent terrorist crimes in Xinjiang have caused numerous casualties among innocent people and seriously impacted Xinjiang's economic and social development and ethnic unity," Meng added.

An effort should be made to understand the "severity, complexity and persistence" of the fight against terrorism and increase the country's sense of urgency and responsibility in order to maintain stability, he said.

He pledged to "never be soft" on terrorists, ordering the mobilization of more anti-terrorism forces and stating that authorities will handle terrorists with an "iron fist" in order to boost the public's sense of security.

Xinjiang is of special importance and plays a strategic role in the country's overall development, Meng said, adding that "Xinjiang's stability has a bearing on the region's development, as well as the nation's overall stability, security and unification."

Hotbeds of violent terrorism should be rooted out by extending education and prevention work to corners of villages and urban communities where extremists tend to gather, he said.

He asked local governments to "keep a sober mind" and enhance their anti-terrorism capabilities.

(Xinhua contributed to this story)