Population of Uighur Muslims in China could be reduced by 1/3rd in 20 years
Tuesday, 8 June 2021 (19:59 IST)
Dhaka: Chinese government's policy on birth control could reduce the minority Uighur Muslim's population in Xinjiang province by one-third in the next 20 years. A German researcher has recently come up with this information through a new analysis.
According to the analysis, the regional policy adopted by the Chinese government for population control could reduce the population of minorities living in the southern part of Xinjiang from 2.7 million to 4.5 million in the next 20 years.
Some Western countries have accused China of genocide for forcible birth control in Xinjiang province. But China has denied the allegations, saying there were other reasons for the drop in birth rates. German researcher Adrian Zenz has analyzed the impact on the population of Uyghurs and other minority groups due to the Chinese government's repression in Xinjiang province.
Prior to the Chinese government's new policy, the country's researchers estimated that by 2040, Xinjiang province could exceed 13 million. But due to the new repression of the Chinese government, the population in Xinjiang province could be 6 million to 1.5 million.
The study highlights the Chinese government's long-term plans for Uyghur Muslims. Authorities plan to impose forced birth control on four minority groups there.
For this reason, 80 percent of women who are able to give birth undergo various surgeries and infertility programs for birth control. Experts estimate that China has detained about one million Uighur Muslims and other minorities in Xinjiang province. The purpose is to control birth among them.
According to reports, the mainstream Han people of China have been relocated to live in some areas of Xinjiang. According to analysis, the Chinese government's new policy will reduce the population of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang province, but increase the number of Han people.
According to Chinese government statistics, the birth rate of minority communities in Xinjiang province has dropped by about 49 percent between 2016 and 2019. Last week, the Chinese government announced that couples would be able to have up to three children.
Chinese government made the announcement after census data showed a sharp drop in birth rates in China. However, China has a different policy on minorities in Xinjiang province. According to various leaked information, women are being detained or punished if they exceed the birth control quota.
However, China denies the allegations, saying nothing is being done to target Uighur Muslims. Overall, the country's birth control policy has had an impact on Xinjiang's minority community. China also claims that birth rates have dropped because of increased incomes and the availability of birth control in the region. (UNI)