URUMQI, Dec. 5 (Xinhua) -- The Xinjiang Islamic Association Thursday voiced firm opposition to the approval of a Xinjiang-related bill by the U.S. House of Representatives.
As an association representing more than 10 million Muslims, including the Uygur ethnic group, in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the Xinjiang Islamic Association expressed its firm opposition and strong condemnation against the passage of the so-called "Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act of 2019," which has distorted and discredited the human rights of Muslims in Xinjiang.
The association also warned those who call white black under the guise of human rights and religion. "It is we Xinjiang Muslims ourselves who have the say for our own human rights."
Xinjiang now has over 20,000 mosques, about 29,000 clerical personnel, and 103 Islamic associations at all levels. Every year since 1996, the government has arranged charter flights and provided assistance for Muslims to go to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage and more than 50,000 Muslims in Xinjiang have made the trip, according to the association.
These facts prove that freedom of religion has been fully implemented in Xinjiang, that Muslims' right to freedom of religion has been protected in accordance with the law, and their normal religious needs have been effectively met, the association said.
It noted that the establishment of vocational education and training centers is an effective measure to tackle the root causes of terrorism and extremism while fully respecting and protecting human rights.
Setting up education and training centers to help people get rid of extremist ideologies and lead normal lives is a move of utmost benevolence, said the association.
The passage of the Xinjiang-related bill by the U.S. House of Representatives is a malicious smear on Xinjiang's counter-terrorism and deradicalization efforts, it said.
"Xinjiang has maintained prosperity and stability, ethnic unity and religious harmony for three consecutive years. This is the most powerful response to your slanderous remarks," said the association.
