By Xinhua
Lhasa : The government of the Tibet Autonomous Region has said that there had been enough evidence to prove that the recent sabotage in Lhasa was “organized, premeditated and masterminded” by the Dalai clique.
The violence, involving beating, smashing, looting and burning, has disrupted the public order and jeopardized people’s lives and property, an official with the regional government said.
The sabotage has been strongly condemned by people of all ethnic groups in Tibet, he said in an interview with Xinhua.
“The relevant departments of the regional government are taking effective measures to properly handle the incident in line with the law,” he said.
“We are fully capable of maintaining social stability of Tibet and safeguarding the safety of the people of all ethnic groups in Tibet and their properties,” said the official.
“Plotting by a few people against the stability and harmony of Tibet run counter to the will of the people, and are doomed to fail,” he said.
Shops were set on fire in violence in downtown Lhasa Friday afternoon. There were injuries reported in the violence and the injured have been hospitalised.
Witnesses said a number of shops along two main streets here, and around Jokhang Temple, Ramogia Monastery and Chomsigkang Market were set on fire around 2 p.m., sending out dense smoke. Some vehicles were also burned.
All shops close to the Jokhang Temple and Ramogia Monastery shut down business.
According to sources, public order returned to normal in downtown Lhasa by night with electricity and telecommunication services having been resumed in many areas.