Public security authorities have called for enhanced security measures after recent knife attacks and rumours caused panic across the country, China Daily reports.
Just over two weeks after knife-wielding terrorists attacked Kunming Railway Station in Yunnan province, leaving 29 dead and more than 140 injured, fears about knives and security are still sensitive. This was further heightened on Friday morning when reports emerged of a new knife attack in Changsha, Hunan province, after a personal dispute between two bakery workers got out of control. Police shot dead local Hebir Turdi after he hacked his co-worker Memet Abla to death, and then attacked four passersby. Two died at the scene, while the two others died later in hospital.
On Friday afternoon, rumours of more knife hackings emerged. Police in Chengdu, Sichuan province, punished three people for starting rumours of an attack in a busy shopping centre, which had people fleeing the scene in panic. "Because of the incident that happened in Changsha, people started to panic and run. But actually, nothing had happened," said a Chengdu police official surnamed Xiang.
Then, on Saturday, people scrambled for safety when a suspected pickpocket in Guangzhou, who was being questioned by police, began shouting falsely about hackings, police said. On the same day, the city's police rushed to restore order in a shopping mall where two arguing shoppers became violent, and nearby shoppers began to run and hide.
In response, according to Xinhua, "The ministry [of public security] said that it will carry out armed patrols and take timely measures to handle violent criminals. The ministry urged public security organs at all levels to increase work efficiency and further improve the emergency command mechanism in order to fight crime."
Tightened security in busy areas like stations, airports, schools, hospitals and tourist attractions will also be implemented.
Dai Peng, director of the Criminal Investigation Department at People's Public Security University of China, said "It takes time for the public to rebuild a sense of safety, and it is vital for the government to handle urgent situations properly and take more proactive measures to beef up security."
According to the National People's Congress, the government will spend 205 billion yuan ($33.3 billion) on domestic security this year, up 6.1 percent.
[Image via IBTimes]
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