DHAKA: Authorities in China’s far-flung western region of Xinjiang have detained 380 people and busted 32 terror cells in a month-long crackdown on violence.

China state media said on Monday, following an upsurge in attacks blamed on Islamist militants, reports The Straits Times.

China has been toughening its response after a spate of bloody incidents nationwide centered on Xinjiang, the traditional home of the Muslim Uighurs.

China has blamed previous attacks on Islamist separatists in the region, who, it says, want to establish an independent state there called East Turkestan.

The official Legal Daily said 315 people had been tried for terror-related offences, at least 13 of whom have been executed, an announcement made last week. Six police officers had died on the job as well, the report added.

BDST: 0105 HRS, JUNE 23, 2014