Official: Tibet instability caused by Dalai clique´s separatist activities

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-02-2008 08:58

The chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Qiangba Puncog, says there is more evidence showing the riots on March 14th to have been premeditated and instigated by the Dalai clique, and the clique's separatist activities have been the main cause of instability in Tibet.

Qiangba Puncog says March 10th is seen as an important day for Tibetan separatists, who incited a failed uprising on that day in 1959, and have been plotting separatist activities ever since.

Qiangba Puncog says March 10th is seen as an important day for Tibetan separatists, who incited a failed uprising on that day in 1959, and have been plotting separatist activities ever since.

Qiangba Puncog said, "The Beijing Olympic Games has been regarded as an unprecedented opportunity by Tibetan separatists, who intend to start riots to attract the attention of the international community."

Qiangba Puncog says on March 10th this year, over 300 monks attempted in vain to break into Lhasa for riots. Another group of monks was also stopped as they shouted slogans about Tibetan independence while holding pro-independence flag. But their failure did not prevent the Dalai clique from engineering more riots on March 14th. On that day, a number of monks rushed out of their temples and, together with other lawless persons, destroyed shops, burned down, houses, and assaulted civilians.

Qiangba Puncog said, "Riots happened everywhere nearly at the same time. The sticks, knives, and gasoline bottles were obviously prepared ahead of time. This has also been confessed by some rioters later. "

On March 14th, a number of monks rushed out of their temples and, together with other lawless persons, destroyed shops, burned down, houses, and assaulted civilians.

Now peace and order have been restored in Lhasa. But the local government is still facing challenges.

Qiangba Puncog said, "Temples should not be used for political purposes and should not be a place where riots are plotted."

Qiangba Puncog says the government is preparing for a long-term fight against the Tibetan separatists. He is confident the government is capable of maintaining peace and stability in Tibet.

Editor:Zhang Ning