414 suspects of 3.14 Lhasa unrest detained

Source: CCTV.com | 03-29-2008 15:25

The group of international reporters continued its visit to Lhasa on Thursday.

Tibetan officials told them that the cause of the March 14th incident stems from attempts by the Dalai Clique to separate Tibet from China.

Plenty of questions from foreign media concerning Tibet issue. The Tibetan government held a press conference to answer them one by one.

Baema Chilain, Vice Chairman of Tibet Autonomous Region, said, "This violent unrest in Lhasa stems from the long-term secessionist activities of the Dalai Clique, with collusion by separatists from home and abroad. The Dalai Clique began to organize armed rebellion from the 1960s, and has orchestrated various activities to separate Tibet from China."

Baema Chilain, vice chairman of the regional government released some figures concerning the criminals.

He said 414 suspects have been detained for questioning, and 30 of them have been arrested by the local procuratorate. 53 other suspects are still wanted.

The official also explained why some temples have confined monks to their temples.

Baema Chilain, Vice Chairman of Tibet Autonomous Region, said, "On March 10, a small number of lawbreaking monks in a minority of temples instigated separatist activities, which triggered the violent unrest on March 14. The police are now gathering evidence in these temples, so the monks cannot leave."

Baema Chilain said that during the investigation the monks are guaranteed food and drink in their temples, and religious activities are continuing.

Tibetan officials have promised compensation for businesses and business people who suffered losses during the riots.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei