We Uyghurs Will Never Forget the Ghulja Massacre
Abdurehim Gheni Uyghur Every year, February 5th marks one of the darkest and most painful chapters in the history of the Uyghur people. The “Ghulja Massacre” was perpetrated by the Chinese government, and terrorized the Uyghur people as one of the most bloody crackdowns in recent history. It cannot disappear from the memory of the Uyghur nation . Ghulja is not just a city; it is a symbol of Uyghur resilience. It was in Ghulja that Uyghur independence was declared and the East Turkestan Republic was established on November 12, 1944. Because of this spirit of liberty, the city has long been viewed by the Chinese authorities as a sensitive area and a center of resistance . The tragedy began as a peaceful demonstration led by Abduhelil Abdumejit. Uyghurs took to the streets to voice their deep discontent with oppressive Chinese policies, including the banning of traditional Meshrep cultural gatherings, the prohibition of local sports, the forced transfer of Uyghur youth to main...