Just over a week ago in Xinjiang, China, a knife attack left 50 people dead, and the suspects responsible for the killings are still on the run. According to government sources, the attack was carried out by a group of at least 9 suspects who attacked workers and security guards at a coal mine in Xinjiang. The government has blamed the attack on “separatists,” but it is possible that separatist movements are being used as a political scapegoat.
“The damage of the attack was very severe—that is why we are controlling [the flow of] information about the incident so strictly, lest we frighten Han migrants in Aksu,” one government source told local reporters.
It was even estimated by some sources that the death count could be as high as 110.
According to local police officer Ekber Hashim, “nearly all the workers who were not on shift at the time were killed or injured.”
“Some workers were sleeping while others were preparing to work when the attackers raided the building after killing the security guards,” he added.
“They went [to the mine] as part of a second team after five police officers, including police chief Wu Feng, were killed,” a police officer who wished to remain anonymous told local reporters.
“The second team had no idea everyone in the first team had been killed when they left the station. They turned their motorcycles around and fled when they saw the dead and injured, but the attackers pursued them in trucks and they were forced to drive the bikes into the river to escape,” the officer said.
Police have since started a manhunt and have turned the area into a total police state, even setting up a command center in a local school.
“Our schoolyard is completely filled with police cars and ambulances, while helicopters fly from our soccer field to the mountains and back,” witness Yasin Sidiq said.
This event, like many similar ones experienced around the world, are tragedies and signs of deep torment and confusion in our global society. Sadly, there are people in this world who wish to harm others, and people in that mindstate will use any tools at their disposal to accomplish their horrific goals.
In the US, there is heavy debate about gun control, especially in the wake of another high-profile mass shooting. However, as we can see with this case in China, banning guns will not stop sick people from wanting to harm others, and it will not stop them from following through on their wishes either.
John Vibes is an author, researcher and investigative journalist who takes a special interest in the counter-culture and the drug war. In addition to his writing and activist work, he organizes a number of large events including the Free Your Mind Conference, which features top caliber speakers and whistle-blowers from all over the world. You can contact him and stay connected to his work at his Facebook page. You can find his 65 chapter Book entitled “Alchemy of the Timeless Renaissance” at bookpatch.com.