Prior to the rebellion, Muhiti resented the increased Soviet influence in Xinjiang and formed a secret group around himself. Fearing an alliance between Muhiti and General Ma Hushan, Sheng moved against Muhiti, who fled to Srinagar in India. After Muhiti reached Srinagar, he went on pilgrimage to Mecca the following year.[2] He was said to have gone to Japan via steamboat from India and asked the Japanese emperor for aid in liberating his homeland.