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Post-riot Xinjiang opens six counseling service hotlines

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-07-26 16:06

Urumqi: Six counseling service hotlines were opened Sunday by the regional health bureau in Urumqi of northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region after the July 5 riot that left 197 people dead in the capital.

Special Coverage: Urumqi Riots Related readings:  China's EU ambassador reveals truth about riot Slashed flesh, cracked heads, slit throats, charred bodies were littering the streets. These were the scenes in Urumqi on 5 July. Xinjiang post-riot rumors groundless Police in Urumqi said rumors that hostages have been taken in exchange for arrested suspects of the July 5 riot were totally fabricated. Psychological help to Urumqi children Policies not to blame for Urumqi riot  Police officer killed in Xinjiang riot honored  Xinjiang doubles compensation for bereaved families

The hotlines will be operated by the regional psychiatric health center, the People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonmous Region and the No. 1 hospital affilliated to the Xinjiang Medical University.

The two hotlines operated by the regional psychiatric health center are 24/7. The other four are in service from 10 am to 7 pm every day, according to the bureau.

The counseling service will be extended to families of the deceased, those who were injured in the violence and their family members, the bureau said.

About 60 psychiatrists will provide riot-specific counselling. Another 40 counseling service providers will aid citizens with non-riot related issues. Since July 6, psychological intervention has been provided to 156 people injured in the riot, according to the regional health bureau.