Page 147 - Communist Chinas Policy of Oppression in East Turkestan

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was at its height, and saw the start of Alptekin's struggle as he wit-
nessed communist mentality and practice first hand. Throughout his
time in West Turkestan, he established contacts with people who sup-
ported independence for East Turkestan (but had to carry out his activ-
ities in secret).
One of the subjects Alptekin was most concerned with was pro-
tecting the people from communism. He even made contacts within
the Chinese government in the belief that this would enable him to op-
erate more effectively against communism. He also represented his
country at the Chinese parliament between 1936 and 1945. When the
communists first seized Beijing and then marched towards East
Turkestan, Alptekin was forced to abandon his country. In 1954 he set-
tled in Istanbul and began to work from there. He traveled to many
countries in order to tell the world about the suffering in East
Turkestan, and to host conferences, attend panels, and give speeches
at universities.
Muhammed Emin Bugra's name went down in the history of the
East Turkestan struggle with his extensive work Dogu Turkistan Tarihi
(The History of East Turkestan). He personally served in the 1931 inde-
pendence movement, and was instrumental in freeing such cities as
Hotan and Yarkent from Chinese occupation. He served as a minister in
the East Turkestan state established in 1944, and sought asylum in
India shortly before the Chinese invasion. From there he moved to
Turkey, and carried on the fight from there.
The lifelong struggle waged with honor by these patriots is still
going on today. There are currently some 20 associations and organi-
zations active on East Turkestan's behalf in the international arena.
These all work together under the umbrella of the East Turkestan Na-
tional Council (ETNC), and are working to have the voice of the people
of East Turkestan heard by the outside world.

Harun Yahya - Adnan Oktar