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Situation basically under control in Urumqi

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-09-04 23:44

URUMQI: A senior government official in Urumqi said here Friday that situation is basically under control in this capital city of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, after local residents took to the streets to protest against syringe attacks.

There were no major protests in the city Friday, a day after the massive protests Thursday, said Executive Deputy Mayor Zhang Hong at a press conference.

Related readings:  Urumqi protesters confront police over syringe attacks  Urumqi still uneasy after needle stabbings  Calm restored in Urumqi following syringe protests  Urumqi quiets down after protest against syringe attacks

Some small crowds were seen in a few locations Friday, but were soon dispersed and nobody was killed, said Zhang.

Five people have been confirmed dead and 14 others were injured and hospitalized in Thursday's protest, among the five dead, two had been confirmed as innocent civilians, while police are trying to identify the rest, Zhang said.

The syringe attacks since Aug 20 have resulted in panic and resentment from the public, the official said.