The top legislator from Xinjiang region says the authorities will speed up local laws against separatism following the July 5 riot in Urumqi.

Eligen Imibakhi, chairman of the Standing Committee of the Xinjiang Regional People's Congress, blamed the riots that took 197 lives on extremism, separatism and terrorism at home and abroad.

The country already has a national law against secession but there are no similar regional ones.

Xinjiang is working on legislation to "provide legal assistance to Xinjiang's anti-secession effort and the cracking down on violence and terrorism," he said.

Imibakhi also said the public's lack of understanding of laws is an "urgent problem," adding that the government will distribute legal booklets in minority languages throughout the region.

The area's top political advisor also lambasted the "three forces" of extremism, separatism and terrorism.

Ashat Kerimbay, chairman of region's committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said: "We will have a vehement and long-term struggle against the 'three forces'. It's life or death."

Beauty contest

Two weeks after the deadly riot, tension eased on Sunday in Urumqi when the city held a multiethnic beauty pageant.

Six Uygur models were among the 45 contestants vying for Miss Tourism International 2009 in Xinjiang.

"We miss the people who died (in the riot), but we also should cast off the shadow as early as possible," said Zhang Tiantian, hostess for the contest. "We should make our lives more beautiful with a more positive attitude, and this is the special significance of the contest."

Winners of the Urumqi heat will attend the Xinjiang finals in Hami later this month.

Alna, contestant number 20, just graduated from Xinjiang University with a major in English.

"Xinjiang is a good place to live," the Kazak said. "Here, there are 47 ethnic groups and you can see the energy of diversified cultures."

"The nightmarish scene that happened not long ago will not tarnish the beautiful image of Xinjiang," she said.

Among the Uygur women who participated, Merhaba, contestant number eight, said she was waiting for her university admission.

Her clothes designer, Ma Lei, a Han, came to cheer her on.

"After the July 5 incident, we all stayed at home and were bored," Ma said.

"Whatever happens, our friendship will never be hurt," Merbaba added.

The July 5 riot brought panic and anxiety to residents in Urumqi, said Hou Zhirong, who is Alna's teacher.

"Many stayed home for seven or eight days. I myself also suspended model training work. This small venue is full of enthusiasm and innovation. No one will have a slight feeling of shadow. This is the best remedy for Urumqi."

China Daily - Xinhua