Amidst the rapidly changing events all over the world, a suicide attack (August 30) at the Chinese embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan did not elicit as much media or world attention as other similar  incidents have grabbed in the recent past .

China is believed to be shaken by terrorists targeting its facilities including at their well guarded diplomatic missions. The suicide bomber who rammed a bomb laden car into the embassy, perished in the attack and injured three embassy personnel. This terrorist act was enough to rattle China ahead of the G20 summit. Chinese intelligence and security officials strongly suspect that the suicide attack was the handiwork of Uighurs who have always violently attacked the Chinese establishment .

Around 15 million Uighurs are said to live in the western Chinese province of Xinjiang and they are predominantly Muslim. China has always used an iron hand to crush any Uighur uprising to demand  a separate East Turkestan state pulling out of China.

Ethnically, Uighurs are more akin to natives of CIS countries. China has always been ruthless about silencing and stifling any voices of dissent that emanated from the Uighurs. The extent of ruthlessness is borne out by the fact that on the occasion of Eid ul Fitr, fasting Muslims are not granted leave for their customary Iftaars.

Those adhering to their religious rituals and practices are subject to physical excesses including resorting to use of brute force. Instead of getting subjugated by such intimidatory and strong-arm actions, the Uighur dissent continues and finds an outlet in attacks on the Chinese state. Possibly the Bishkek Embassy attack was one such manifestation.

Kyrgyzstan borders Xinjiang province of China and flow of Uighurs into Kyrgyzstan at regular intervals for targeting Chinese interests remains a strong possibility. In 2014, Kyrgyz border guards killed 11 Uighurs trying to enter Kyrgystan with the likely aim of harming Chinese facilities.

Uighurs are a determined lot and have been known for their militant activities. They have presence also in Pakistan&’s Gilgit-Baltistan region. In the 2007 siege of Lal Masjid in Pakistan some of the hostage takers were Uighurs and after tip off from the Chinese, under Pervez Musharraf&’s express instructions Uighurs were flushed out and handed over to the Chinese.

It will not at all be surprising if a major segment of the Uighurs are hand in glove with the terrorists in Pakistan operating to inflict harm to Pakistani interests as well due to the government&’s unconditional support to the Chinese in dealing with the Uighurs with a tough hand.

Uighurs are also expanding their operational base by participating in ISIS linked attacks. One of the three men responsible for the recent Ataturk airport attack in Istanbul was an Uighur. Uighurs’ presence in Syria for fighting for the ISIS cause is noteworthy. All said and done, the main objective of the Uighurs seems to be to take on the Chinese, overtly or covertly. And it&’s an ongoing thing.

Uighurs are 2,23,100 in number in Kazakhstan , around 50,000 in Uzbekistan, present in a sizeable number in Kyrgyzstan and similarly in other CIS states. By the trend of attacking chinese facilities, it&’s not impossible for the Uighurs to mobilise and marshal all their material and resources to keep China on the tenterhooks. Obviously, such a thing is not practical in mainland China but it looks doable in Chinese installations overseas.

Last year, the Chinese Ambassador in Mauritius met senior home ministry officials bringing to their attention  the possibility of Uighur terrorists attacking the Chinese embassy in Port Louis. The concern may seem farfetched but an apprehension is there that Uighurs may come all the way and hit the Chinese even at Mauritius. The Chinese embassy building in Mauritius looks over fortified to prevent any terror attack.  If terror fear has reached Mauritius, then attacks on Chinese interests in CIS countries which are so much closer remains a soft option. Bishkek seems just a trailer.

Against this backdrop, China must be taking all safeguards to protect its interests. Yet it should, as a major world power, be more demonstrative in its actions against all terrorists by rhetoric and deeds. It&’s partisan stance in blocking Indian attempts in the UN for banning Jama-tul-Dawa (JuD)  and Jaish-e- Mohammad ( JeM) or action against Hafeez Saeed and Masood Azhar is amply hypocritical. China should come forward against them and only then will other nations also cooperate with it for a more meaningful and coordinated action to rein in terror.  Or else, it may continue to incur violent terror wrath of terrorists inimical to China.

The writer, a retired Indian Police Service officer, is a commentator on security affairs. The views expressed are personal.