Beijing, Aug 13 (IANS): A court in China has sentenced two men to death and three to prison for taking part in a terrorist attack in Xinjiang Uygur region in April.

Musa Hesen was sentenced to death for murder, organising and leading a terrorist group and illegally manufacturing explosives, reported Xinhua citing the verdict by a court in Kashgar Monday.

Rehman Hupur was also sentenced to death for murder and participating in the terrorist group.

Three people who took part in the terrorist group were given prison sentences ranging from nine years to life in jail.

The court said the five defendants, along with their leader Qasim Muhammat, have been carrying out illegal religious activities since March 2008.

They printed books on religious extremism and terrorism, completed physical training, practised lethal skills and made knives and banners in preparation for terrorist attacks. They also made explosive devices and carried out explosive tests, the court said.

Qasim Muhammat and Musa Hesen set up a terrorist group March 8 this year, with Qasim Muhammat as the leader, it added.

On April 23, a confrontation between terrorists and authorities in Kashgar left 21 people dead, including 15 community workers and police officers.