URUMQI: Local authorities further lifted the ban on Internet service in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region yesterday, allowing partial access to two of China's most popular websites following nearly six months of closure after the deadly July 5 riot in the capital, Xinjiang-based tianshannet.com.cn reported yesterday.

Residents in Xinjiang yesterday started to have access to two commercial websites: sina.com.cn and sohu.com.

"I am glad to see another two websites become accessible today. The government did keep its word of gradually resuming the Internet service," said Song Yingzong, a Urumqi resident in his 40's.