March 6, 2023 -- A Muslim religious leader from China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region says he's seen great improvements made to community mosques in recent years. Our reporter Huang Yue spoke to Mamat Juma, who's the imam of China's largest mosque in the city of Kashgar and a deputy to the National People's Congress. He also refuted accusations of religious persecution in the region, calling the claims baseless.

HUANG YUE Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region "This is the Id Kah Mosque, a landmark in Kashgar, southern Xinjiang. With a history of over 500 years, it's not only the biggest mosque in China, but also one of the most influential in Central Asia. The imam of the mosque has been elected a deputy to the National People Congress – China's top legislature. So, how will he perform his duty this year? What are the topics he's concerned about? Let's go inside to ask him."

This is Mamat Juma's sixth year as a deputy of the National People's Congress – China's top legislative body.

As vice president of the Xinjiang Islamic Association, he has long been concerned with religious affairs in the region.

Mamat says in recent years, China's central government and local authorities in Xinjiang have provided support for renovations to community mosques.

MAMAT JUMA Imam of Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar "The government has invested a lot to renovate the mosques which were first built in the 1980s or earlier. Now, even those in rural areas are in good condition. They're all equipped with running water, electricity, natural gas and heating, providing a good environment for prayers."

The imam says some in the West have been accusing Xinjiang authorities of human rights violations, including restrictions to freedom of religious belief.

But Mamat believes those claims are groundless.

He says freedom of religious belief is fully guaranteed in Xinjiang and normal religious activities are carried out in an orderly manner.

MAMAT JUMA Imam of Id Kah Mosque, Kashgar "I've received many foreign visitors, diplomats and journalists. Some of them asked whether the government suppresses us Muslims or restricts our customs and rituals. I told them that was not true, and I wish they can see the truth by themselves."

Mamat says, as one of four deputies to the National People's Congress from Kashgar, he represents a prefecture with a population of over four million people.

Beyond his responsibilities as a religious leader, he has been learning about the issues affecting local livelihoods and will bring his suggestions for discussion at the annual Two Sessions meetings in Beijing. Huang Yue, CGTN, Kashgar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.