In restive west, Chinese authorities demand knives, offer rewards for tips on 'terror' threat

Police in China's restive far west have announced that they are confiscating long knives, explosives and guns — and also computers and cellphones containing "terrorist" material — as the government tightens controls on the region after recent unrest.

The order was issued Tuesday by the public security bureau of Xinjiang.

Police also are offering rewards of up to $16,300 for information on terrorist activity that helps solve major terror crimes or leads to the arrest of terror suspects.

It says those who knowingly shelter, protect or help "violent terrorist criminals" will be prosecuted.

Bloody clashes in Xinjiang (shihn-jeeahng) over the last several months have killed more than 50 people. It has long been home to a simmering rebellion against Chinese rule among parts of the Uighur (WEE'-gur) population.