Xinjiang's top political and military leaders have pledged a further crackdown against East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) terrorists in a bid to safeguard the security and prosperity of the region.

Two armed policemen arrest a "terrorist" during a joint anti-terrorism exercise involving China and Kazakhstan in Yining, Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. [China Daily]

Nur Bekri, the newly elected chairman of the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, said on Friday that the forces of terror, separatism and extremism had recently become more active in planning violent activities.

"Although we have achieved some initial success, we will never slacken in our fight against these evil forces," he told China Daily.

"We should stay on high alert all the time to crush any attempt to damage Xinjiang's development and stability."

Bekri, a deputy to the 11th NPC, made the remarks on the sidelines of the ongoing annual session of the top legislature.