The West following the USA, particularly from the days of Trump, is very much concerned about  the plight of Uyghurs, people of Turkic ethnicity, predominantly Muslims in China’s province of  Xinjiang. The Western countries are emphatically and consistently condemning China of committing atrocities and basic rights  abuse against Muslims  and pressurizing to refrain from these atrocities and  let them live in peace and freedom  to follow their religion and culture.

Apparently it is very heartening to see their love for human rights and values. One, however, feels baffled seeing their unconcern about the people being faced with worst sort of inhuman attitudes ,in different parts of the world, as Kashmiris and Palestinians against whom India and Israel respectively have been committing human crimes for over last 75 years. Similar is the case of Rohingya ,Muslims of Myanmar, who have been killed in thousands by military and Budhist people and compelled  for exodus ,taking refuge in Bangladesh and other parts of the world living a wretched life. In fact genocide is being committed at least against these people.

A country-specific love of humanity and concern about human rights abuse, giving deaf ear to cries of humanity elsewhere, is a well known phenomenon of the West. Such concern deprives their sermons on humanity and human rights of any moral authority. West is accused rightly of using the Human Rights issue as a arms-twisting tool  against those in other camp

Albeit  the West is pursuing duality in its policy on human rights yet it does not give China any right to commit atrocities and deny human right to minorities there. China must stop whatever injustices it is dong against Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Mere denial of the accusation does not work China must satisfy the world that minorities there are  safe and are being treated equally as other Chinese. Whatever may be the grievances must be resolved amicably.

Following the lead of USA, UK, European countries and European Union Parliament  have passed resolutions condemning China. Recently the parliament of France has passed a resolution expressing sympathy with Chinese Muslims expressing  concern about them  and vehemently condemned China for committing atrocities against them. French Parliament accuses China of a systematic violence against Uyghurs terming it Genocide and has asked the government to recognize the genocide and  take all possible steps to save Uyghurs from Chinese crimes. It must be remembered that Muslims in France are also much perturbed by the anti-Muslim policies;  even the French President has criticised not only Muslims but Islam as a religion using unbecoming words creating anger in Muslims globally and yet France is concerned about Muslims in China.

China has, as is the routine prevailing world over,  opposing the French Parliament resolution termed it a mere political move. However, World Uyghurs Congress has welcomed the resolution of France. A UN report has also accused China of subjecting Uyghurs to abuse their identity and culture for long. It must be made clear that these lines are not in any way to defend Chinese atrocities but to highlight that  the love of the West for Uyghurs is not out of sincere believe in human values and rights it is just a duality and political game.

Sometime back a number of countries-The Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, USA and UK have also passed resolutions  accusing China of  carrying on Genocide against Muslims in Xinjang. Apart from EU countries, UK and USA The European Union Parliament has also passed a resolution of  the same nature but it is more pressing and shows to what extent  the West may go when it is the matter of their political advantage.EU parliament resolution calls to freeze the ratification of  EU-China Investment deal, a move short of economic sanctions on China.

The UE parliament deplores ‘crimes against humanity’, that, it says are continuing against Uyghur Muslims. The move in a way threatens to  nullify the investment agreement that was finalized few months back. The investment plan  envisages boosting economies both of China and EU. Enhanced trade and investment relations play positive role in developing  atmosphere of peaceful co-existence. Who can take  Eu  putting  this benefcal plan at risk just out of love of Uyghurs.

China feeling offended by such resolutions  says such sanctions imposed by EU will tarnish the  relations between the two and inflict harm to the economic interests of both the parties. In fact the investment agreement was reached to increase the market access ensuring fair treatment  to EU investors and companies doing business in China. Soon after the agreement the West started raising question on one or the other issue with China. EU strongly critcised  of ,what it says, China is using forced labour in detention camps in Xinjang, adding more charges of  torture, forced disappearance and sexual abuse.

Ratification of the agreement  by EU parliament is must to make the agreement working. Instead of ratifying the deal it is calling for sanctions .The measures the EU parliament is suggesting  surely have the backing of USA and UK. It is bewildering to note if these countries were ignorant of all that has been committed against Uyghur before the agreement? It is simply a carrot and stick political strategy of the West. First they allured China of investment and access to the markets and now they are using it as a tool  to cow down China threatening withdrawal of probable investments.

EU is to debate next month proposed sanctions against China. It is likely travel  ban and freezing of assets will be on the agenda and may be approved. It is said EU  wants the decision unanimously for which it is working hard among the member countries. Is it credible that EU,US and Uk are putting their economic and trade interest at jeopardy for the HR of Uyghurs. The West is openly using HR issue as a part f its agenda of cornering China in their bid to deter its  growing  economic and political  influence around the world.

Had the West put one hundredth part of such a pressure on India it surely would have helped Kashmiris relieved from Indian brutalities. The open genocide being taking place against the Kashmiris by Indian armed forces is not a crime of humanity for the West just for their political and economic advantages.

Both the West and China cannot be condoned for their respective roles about the Muslims in Xinjiang. Apart from the politicking of the West now voices have also started rising in Turkey. Some prominent Turk, leaders have criticsed China of  abusing human rights of Uyghurs, this criticism from Turks is not out f political interests .As the Uygurs are of Turkic ethnicity and Muslims so the support to them and concern about them is based on fraternal affinity.

Quite a  big umber of Uyghurs have taken refuge in Turkey where they are being taken care of properly. These refugee have demonstrate both in Istanbul and Ankara in front of Chinese missions there. Turks have emphatically stressed not to forget Muslim brothers in captivity there and vow not to be silent on their prosecution In China.

Things are getting volatile for China referring the issue of Muslims in Xinjiang. It is imperative for China to find out ways of settling the issue  instead of resorting to coercive ways. Xinjiang shares borders of 8 countries  Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asian  states that have the same Turkic ethnicity and religious factors.

Pakistan and Turkey should join hands and offer China to mediate between Chinese authorities and Muslims there. China is undeniably faced with  feelings of separatism and Islamic  extremism. Some organizations , as East Turkestan Islamic Movement , have caused  some incidents of violence. Chinese Muslims be convinced  not to  play in the hands f the West and remain faithfully and peacefully within  the boundaries of China and on the other hand China must give these Muslims the equal status, right to live and lead their lives in accordance  with  their religious and cultural norms.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 08 2023

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