Chaos were seen in a number of places in Urumqi Tuesday afternoon, nearly two days after the deadly violence.

Many people were gathering or running in panic at the Urumqi South Railway Station, Changjiang Road, Yangzijiang Road and some other places at around 1 p.m..

Roadside shops were shut down.

Residents of some community compounds are holding wood and iron clubs for self-defence.

"We will not hide up anymore. We will fight back if they (the rioters) come," said an unnamed man standing in front of a building in Shihezi.

Crowds of people rushed in the municipal people's hospital in downtown Urumqi to take shelter. Many nurses were trying to call their relatives by cell phones to ensure they are safe.

People who were gathering at Hetian Street for defence threw stones at Xinhua reporters before knowing their identity.

(Xinhua News Agency July 7, 2009)