The News Minute| October 3, 2014| 11.40 am IST

Chinese media have reported that the 10,000 doves released to commemorate China’s National Day ceremony underwent minute body scrutiny before being released over fears of possible attacks.

The birds released on the 65th anniversary of the birth of China were checked to ensure that they didn’t carry any suspicious material, said The New Indian Express.

Workers checking the wings, legs and anus of the birds were videotaped before the birds were sent to Tiananmen Square to be released, said the report.

"The liberty and dignity of citizens are increasingly vulnerable, and can be expropriated at any time, like with the pigeons," wrote columnist Zhang Ping in an editorial. 

"They have to go through the pains and insults of the rude anal check and yet they must appear peaceful and happy on the screen of the state broadcaster," wrote columnist Zhang, said NIE.

The heightened security precautions have been taken up after a series of attacks allegedly carried out by separatist militants in the country, said the report. Attacks have included bus explosions, slashing attacks and an attack in which explosives were set off killing nearby bystanders.