Uyghur Muslims Denied Eid Celebration Amid Xinjiang Crackdown
As Muslims around the world celebrate the Eid al-Adha holiday, the Centre for Uyghur Studies has accused the Chinese government of intensifying its suppression of Islamic practices in the Xinjiang region, India Narrative reported in an article yesterday.
Traditionally, Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, holds deep cultural and religious significance for Muslims globally. However, the Centre stated that Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang have been denied the right to observe this important occasion due to severe restrictions imposed by Chinese authorities since 2017.
“For centuries, Uyghur Muslims have joyously celebrated Eid alongside the global Muslim community,” the Centre said in a public announcement. “Yet, in recent years, they have faced increasing suppression under Chinese occupation, particularly since 2017.”
Under current policies, the Centre alleges that Chinese authorities have criminalized Islamic practices and banned religious festivals like Eid al-Adha. This is part of what the Centre describes as a “genocide” targeting Uyghur and other Muslim-minority populations in the region.
The Chinese government has consistently denied allegations of human rights abuses, claiming its policies are necessary measures against separatism and terrorism. However, international scrutiny and condemnation have grown, with calls for independent investigations into the situation.
As the global Muslim community celebrates Eid al-Adha, the plight of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing cultural and religious tensions within China’s western regions.
