CHINA PROMOTES WOMEN COP WHO BREASTFED QUAKE-AFFECTED BABIES

China promotes woman cop who breastfed quake-affected babies

Beijing, Jun 22 (PTI) A policewoman who breastfeed babies
affected by recent devastating quake in southwest China has
been promoted to a ranking post following public admiration
but her elevation has put her in a spot of controversy.

Jiang Xiaojuan, 30, had left her own baby of six months
old with her parents attending to the call of the duty and
took part in the disaster relief work during which, moved by
the plight of the babies separated from their mothers, she
breastfed several of them.

The pictures of Jiang, who breast fed nine babies, earned
her the nickname, "The police mum". It also won her laudatory
titles of "hero and model police officer" from the Ministry of
Public Security and "excellent member" of the Communist Party
from the Organisation Department of the CPC Central Committee.

A controversy however surfaced over her appointment as a
member of the C.P.C. Committee of the Jiangyou Public Security
Bureau and the bureau's Vice-Commisar on Thursday, state-run
Xinhua news agency said.

Jiang would assume office as soon as she returned from
her tour, said an official who denied media reports that the
promotion had been suspended because of the controversy.

Many voiced objections when the Jiangyou government
sought public opinion after the promotion, saying the official
position should not be used to "promote a moral model".

A promotion should depend on one's competence, said a
netizen on an online forum, while another said "such a
promotion would fuel speculation activities".

Jiang also won support from many who said what she did
showed that she is a good public servant. A Jiangyou official
appreciated the debate but added, "We have gone through due
procedures and believe she is qualified for her new post".

The quake, deadliest in three decades, has killed more
than 69,200 according to the official toll so far, and left
hundreds of children orphaned.