“The Islamic world is expecting from China, a major and responsible power in the world arena with historical friendly relations with the Muslim world, to deal with the problem of Muslim minority in China in a broader perspective that tackles the root causes of the problem,” the Jeddah-based grouping of Muslim nations said in a statement.

It said the OIC was ready to extend assistance and to consult with the Chinese government about efforts to create a climate of peace and stability in the region.

According to a spokesperson, OIC secretary-general Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu had expressed deep concern over the unrest and use of disproportionate force during the incident which, according to some estimates, left at least 156 dead and more than 1,000 injured.

“The secretary-general called upon the government of China to carry out prompt, effective and transparent investigation of this grave incident and bring those responsible to justice quickly and to take all possible measures to prevent its recurrence, and to see to it that the victims are adequately compensated,” the statement said.

The OIC said the great number of casualties among civilians indicated that the principle of proportionality on the use of force and firearms had not been observed.

Media reports said Xinjiang was home to many Uyghurs who claimed that they were subjected to discrimination by the majority Han.