Chinese regional government promises crackdown on terrorism

The government of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region Thursday vowed to crack down on terrorism as maintaining social stability is a priority for 2014.

"The regional government will resolutely crack down on religious extremism, prevent violent terrorist attacks and mass incidents from happening," Xinhua quoted Nur Bekri, chairman of the regional government, as saying.

The official told the second session of the 12th Regional People's Congress that the government would continue combating the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism.

However, the battle was still chronic, complicated and severe, he warned.

He said that the government would continue carrying out ethnic unity campaigns because safeguarding unity would fundamentally guarantee the region's long term social stability.

In addition, the regional government would strengthen community services and improve the residence permit system to serve people better, said Nur Bekri.