Reports have emerged that Chinese authorities have taken recourse to installing QR codes on the doors of houses belonging to Uighur Muslims. This measure is expected to help authorities access instantly the details of the inhabitants of the house and is part of a wider security crackdown in the restive Xinjiang province.
An unprecedented crackdown has been launched by the Chinese authorities in recent years, which include arbitrary detentions, mass internment for political education and restrictions on religious practices. Authorities, however, claim that the motivation behind the installation of QR codes is to ensure proper delivery of services and aid in population control.
Additionally, it has also been alleged that authorities have taken to collecting DNA and voice samples of Xinjiang province residents during issuance of ID cards and passports. These measures are on top of the internment of an estimated million Uighurs in special camps where they are allegedly indoctrinated with political propaganda, compulsory learning of Chinese Mandarin and discouraged from using Islamic practices.
Xinjiang has been in the cross-hairs of authorities due to a separatist movement led by some of the region’s Uighur Muslims. China has repeatedly affirmed its resolve to crush this movement and maintained that the region faces grave security threats from the Islamic militants, resulting in the need for such measures.
Comments ↓
An Appeal...
Dear Reader,
As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. We do not have the muscle and backing of a large media conglomerate nor are we playing for the large advertisement sweep-stake.
Our business model is you and your subscription. And in challenging times like these, we need your support now more than ever.
We deliver over 10 - 15 high quality articles with expert insights and views. From 7AM in the morning to 10PM late night we operate to ensure you, the reader, get to see what is just right.
Becoming a Patron or a subscriber for as little as Rs 1200/year is the best way you can support our efforts.