Riots in Sichuan linked to Lhasa unrest

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Source: CCTV.com | 03-21-2008 10:39

In neighboring Sichuan and Gansu, local officials say riots in parts of both provinces are closely linked to the unrest in Lhasa. They also say that they were all coordinated by the Dalai clique.

The mountainous Aba county in northwestern Sichuan saw rioters attacking shops and government offices on Sunday afternoon.

The mountainous Aba county in northwestern Sichuan saw rioters attacking shops and government offices on Sunday afternoon. One day earlier, the counties of Xiahe, Maqu, Luqu, and Hezuo City in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in southern Gansu also witnessed similar incidents.

In both provinces, rioters, carrying rocks and homemade bombs, or waving the flag of the so-called "Tibetan-government-in-exile," stormed into government offices, police stations, hospitals, schools, shops and markets. They shouted slogans related to "Tibet Independence,"

Some police officers and government staff were injured by the rioters.

Some police officers and government staff were injured by the rioters.

Evidence shows the spate of violent activities was not coincidental. It was closely linked to the unrest in Lhasa. These acts of sabotage were well-planned, and they can all be traced to the Dalai clique, whose motive is to disturb the Beijing Olympics, destroy peace and stability, and split the country.

Local governments in Sichuan and Gansu have taken appropriate actions to maintain order and protect the safety of their people. Officials say life in the affected counties is returning to normal.

Editor:Zhang Ning