At 9:20 p.m. on March 1 2014, a group of more than 10 terrorists attacked innocent civilians in the square and ticket hall of Kunming Railway Station. By March 2，2014, 29 victims were confirmed dead and more than 130 others injured. Kunming's government said the evidence at the scene indicated that the attack was orchestrated by separatists from Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

The separatists formed a very well organized group. They chose to launch the attack in the crowded station before the upcoming annual sessions of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, with the aim of sensationalizing the attack, damaging China’s image, and destabilizing China.

Such terrorist attacks against civilians are an affront to human rights, and challenge the authority of the legal system, human civilization, and social order.

Such attacks also offer a warning to China of how complex and severe is the challenge of fighting terrorism. The religious extremism spread by the Xinjiang separatists poisons the minds of the minorities of Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

No country can tolerate terrorist attacks. History will present its own verdict on the separatists from Xinjiang Uygur and the crimes they have committed.

The whole of China has responded to the attack with a greater sense of unity. In every form of social media - QQ groups, Weibo and other channels - people have spoken out to denounce the terrorist attack and offer their prayers for the victims.

The attack in Kunming will never diminish the resolve of the people of China to safeguard national stability and promote social development. The Chinese government will take firm action to root out terrorist organizations and put a stop to their activities, and create a stable, prosperous and harmonious society for its people.

The article is edited and translated from《暴恐分子必须受到严惩》, source: People's Daily Overseas Edition, author: Yang Ziyan