Xinjiang offers cash rewards for those hunting terrorists  

新疆3亿重奖围捕暴徒的群众 先期奖励423万元

Authorities in far west China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region have announced that more than 300 million yuan (about $48 million) would be offered in cash rewards to those who helped hunt suspected terrorists.

More than 10,000 officials and local residents attended an award ceremony held in Hotan Prefecture Sunday, the first batch of the rewards.

Altogether 4.23 million yuan were offered at the ceremony to local residents for their bravery in hunting a group of 10 suspected terrorists.

Six people who offered key tip-offs leading to the location of the suspected terrorists were given 100,000 yuan each. More individuals and government agencies received cash rewards.

The terrorist group was identified by police on July 27. Local civilians volunteered to help the police in tracking down the suspects.

At 12:15 a.m. Friday, locals found the suspects in a corn field in Purgakqi Township of Karakax County.

With the help of more than 30,000 volunteers, officers chased the suspects to an abandoned house, where they resisted arrest by throwing explosives into the crowd. Police fired back and shot dead nine and captured one.