Hawzah News Agency (Xinjiang, China) - Northwest China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region has taken multiple measures to fight terrorism and extremism, which have helped bring development and prosperity to the region.

However, some Western media have attacked China's Xinjiang policies, accusing the central and regional governments of "suppressing religious freedom."

Despite the exaggerated reports and even "fake news" of some Western media, people who live in Xinjiang are in a much better position to speak about the situation. 

The Global Times on Wednesday conducted an exclusive interview with Wubuliaishan Tursunyaz, a 53-year-old Hatifu, or religious teacher, at the Jiamai Mosque in Hotan, southern Xinjiang. Hotan used to be plagued by extremism and once the main battlefield of de-radicalization.

Wubuliaishan has been working as a Hatifu for more than 27 years.

Jiamai Mosque, which is located in Naerbage street in Hotan, was built in 1848. It is the largest mosque in Hotan.

Dutar is a musical instrument played by many ethnic groups in Xinjiang, including Uyghurs.

Wubuliaishan recalled that extremism was once rampant in Hotan. Few residents knew national laws and regulations, which made them susceptible to brainwashing by illegal imams with distorted Islamic doctrines.

To fight terrorism and extremism, the regional government in Xinjiang passed the Regulations of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region on De-radicalization in March 2017. It states that no one should prevent their children from receiving an education or interfering with the implementation of China's education system.

"I feel better now," Wubuliaishan said with a smile, noting that Xinjiang's de-radicalization efforts have also enhanced local residents' legal awareness.

"Local residents will turn to working groups in villages and local governments to help them with their legal problems. I think it is good," he said.