Torch security heavy in China's Xinjiang

KASHGAR, China (CNN) -- Heavy security accompanied the Olympic torch through western China's Xinjiang province Wednesday, with similar security expected to be in place later this week when it reaches Tibet.

The Associated Press reported thousands of police, militia and paramilitary troops lined the torch's route, keeping a close watch on the cheering, flag waving crowds of hand-picked onlookers in Kasghar.

The relay is in the midst of a four-day trek through the ethnically distinct section of the country.

It is home to the Uighurs -- a people with their own language and culture.

Uighurs belong to a Turk-speaking, traditionally Muslim ethnic group, which makes up about 80 percent of the population in Kashgar.

Uighurs in Xinjiang are supposed to enjoy regional autonomy as guaranteed by China's constitution, but some seek independence.

But millions of Han Chinese, the country's dominant ethnic group, have migrated into Xinjiang during the past 60 years, prompting complaints that they dominate local politics, culture and commerce at the Uighurs' expense.

The dissatisfaction has turned violent at times, including several and sometimes deadly bus bombings in 1992 in the provincial capital, Urumqi.

Officials blamed such incidents on Uighur groups who seek an independent Muslim state.

China insists only a small minority of Uighurs support the separatists, although helmeted soldiers had the torch route in Kashgar roped off.

Organizers feared dissidents might use the occasion to draw attention to their cause. Watch the torch be paraded in Xinjiang province »

The relay moves to the Tibet Autonomous Region on Saturday, where violent anti-Chinese protests broke out in March. Government figures put the death toll from the violence at 18, but Tibet's self-proclaimed government-in-exile put the number at 140. View a map of the torch relay in China »

That leg has been shrouded in secrecy because of political sensitivities surrounding Tibet. The route has been criticized by Tibet activist groups who see it as an attempt by Beijing to symbolize its control over the Himalayan region.

China says it has ruled Tibet for centuries, although many Tibetans say their homeland was essentially independent for much of that time.

Tight security measures are expected for the Lhasa stop.

Copyright 2008 CNN. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Associated Press contributed to this report.

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