Uygers help Han escape July 5th riot

The people who lived through the July 5th riot incident are left with emotional scars. But some Han Chinese have also been left with a deep appreciation for Uyger strangers who helped them escape the violence.

Zhao Qin, along with her brother, his wife and three children were attacked at 8 o'clock on the evening of July 5th. Abdulla, a Uyger, rushed to intervene, shouting and pushing the attackers.

Abdulla said, "They work for us, don't hit them. I protect them, they did nothing wrong why do you hurt them. You can't do this, my heart is aching."

After the rioters dispersed, Abudulla accompanied them home. On the way they encountered another group of rioters. Abudulla then hid them in a wooden cottage and stood guard outside. The hut's owners were also Uygurs, who made their living baking Nan bread. They brought food to them.

Zhao Qin said, "The family of bread makers said we must protect your life."

Abudulla stood outside the cottage for three hours and then accompanied Zhao's family back home when the situation had calmed.

Zhao Qin said, "Our families will not forget the blessings from Abudulla our whole life."

Abdulla said, "We should help them. We are a whole family. Hans can't do without Uygurs and vice versa. We are a family."

Abudulla's neighbors say what he did was natural.

Abudulla's neighbo said, "Our relationship was good and is good. We wouldn't save them if not. We don't need the violence. We need peace. Ethnic unity is good. We are one family like brothers and sisters."

Shumshak Yusun and his son Yilihem saved three people from Anhui that night. Yilihem was hit on the back by a rock.

Yilihem said, "I was not afraid then, only thinking of saving people. They are our compatriots. I felt pain upon seeing innocent people were hurt."

Yilihem laid the three injured people on the lawn of the home compound, keeping watch over them for three hours. After the rioters left, he carried them to the hospital.

Liu Qi was saved by Yusun.

Liu Qi said, "I'm very thankful to uncle Yusun. Otherwise, I can't be here today."

Shumshak Yusun said, "Those who hit Han are scum. They don't represent us."

Yusun says among Uygurs there is a saying: Uygurs and Han can't do without each other.