Allegations have emerged that in Xinjiang, China, large-scale arrests, forced labour, and efforts to assimilate Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnicities into the Chinese race are being carried out to keep them “in line.” These claims are brought into sharp focus amid reports that Uyghur Muslims were prevented from celebrating Bakrid this year.
While Muslims worldwide celebrated Bakrid, which was marked by prayers, greetings, and animal sacrifices, the situation in China was markedly different. According to the Center for Uyghur Studies, Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang were barred from celebrating Bakrid due to fears of unrest. This Uyghur advocacy organisation asserts that the Chinese communist government is rapidly crushing Islamic customs in the region.
The Center for Uyghur Studies claims that the severe restrictions imposed on Uyghur since 2017 have prevented them from celebrating Bakrid openly. The organisation’s post on social media platform X highlighted the restrictions, stating, “Muslims worldwide, including Uyghur Muslims, have celebrated Bakrid for years. However, in recent years, a strict ban has been imposed on this celebration in China.” The post also mentioned that Chinese policies have criminalised Islamic customs and festivals, leaving Uyghurs too fearful to observe Bakrid openly.
The Muslims in #EastTurkistan have been celebrating this festive occasion for a thousand years, together with the global Muslim community. The Eid has always reminded the Uyghur Muslims that they are a part of the Muslim Ummah. However, the Uyghur Muslims – who have been…
— Center for Uyghur Studies (@CUyghurstudy) June 16, 2024
In communist-ruled China, particularly in the Muslim-majority Xinjiang province, the celebration of Bakrid by Uyghurs has been banned, reportedly to prevent unrest. The Center for Uyghur Studies openly accuses the Chinese government of implementing these measures to suppress Islamic customs. The organisation further alleges that Uyghur has been subjected to large-scale arrests, forced labour, and efforts to assimilate them into the Chinese race.
Despite such measures, Uyghurs have kept their Islamic traditions alive for decades. However, the Chinese government has consistently denied these allegations, stating that their policies are intended to curb separatism and terrorism.
Interestingly, countries like Türkiye and Pakistan, which often position themselves as protectors of Muslims worldwide, have remained silent on these issues. This silence has not gone unnoticed, drawing criticism from various quarters. Despite the global condemnation of China’s actions in Xinjiang, Türkiye and Pakistan continue to engage with China and stand by its side.
The Center for Uyghur Studies’ claims are supported by reports from various human rights organisations and international bodies, which have consistently highlighted human rights abuses in Xinjiang. These reports include mass detentions, forced labour, and severe restrictions on religious practices, all of which have drawn widespread condemnation.
As Muslims worldwide celebrated Bakrid, Uyghur advocacy organisations issued poignant messages calling for global solidarity and action. The East Turkistan Government in Exile and the East Turkistan National Movement extended Eid greetings while drawing attention to the plight of Uyghur and Turkic Muslim communities.
In a post on X, the East Turkistan Government in Exile stated, “On this sacred #EidAlAdha, we reflect on faith and resilience. We implore the global #Muslim community to stand with the #Uyghur/Turkic Muslims of occupied #EastTurkistan, who face genocide and are denied their faith. Unite in prayer and action for their dignity and independence.”
#EidMubarak to all Muslims! On this sacred #EidAlAdha, we reflect on faith and resilience. We implore the global #Muslim community to stand with the #Uyghur/Turkic Muslims of Occupied #EastTurkistan, who face genocide and are denied their faith. Unite in prayer and action for… pic.twitter.com/w9QV65Vlmb
— East Turkistan Government in Exile (ETGE) (@ETExileGov) June 16, 2024
Similarly, the East Turkistan National Movement urged the global community to remember those suffering under Chinese occupation, calling for collective action to demand an end to China’s relentless persecution.
The Bakrid messages from Uyghur advocacy groups serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by Uyghur and Turkic Muslims. Despite the Chinese government’s denial of any human rights violations, the international community continues to call for justice and the protection of cultural and religious heritage in Xinjiang.
