Olympic torch passes Urumqi

Jun 17 - Security was tight as the olympic torch made its way through China's sensitive Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region.

The Olympic torch relay was meant to be a symbol of national unity and pride for China. But on its international leg it was dogged by anti-government protests and in China authorities are ensuring its smooth passage behind top security, especially in troubled minority areas such as Xinjiang and Tibet.

As the torch passed through Urumqi, the capital of the far northwestern province, a strong sercurity presence was seen on the streets.

State television said that 74 of the 208 torch bearers were from ethnic minorities: Uighurs, Mongolians and Kazakhs.

The area is home to 13 different ethnic miniorties, among them a large ethnic Muslim population.

China blames the ethnic Uighurs, Central Asian people who speak a Turkic language, for a series of attacks in pursuit of an independent state of East Turkestan.

Many Uighurs resent the migration of Han Chinese to the region and government controls on their culture and religion.