China warns Tibetan rioters will be dealt with harshly
Posted: 17 March 2008 1416 hrs

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BEIJING: China on Monday warned that those involved in serious crimes during deadly unrest in Tibet's capital would be dealt with harshly, as it urged Tibetans to inform on each other.

"Those who have committed serious crimes will be dealt with harshly," Tibet government chairman Qiangba Puncog told reporters following protests in Lhasa against China's 57-year rule of the Himalayan region.

"If they turn themselves in, they will be dealt with leniently. If they provide further information about others involved, they will be treated even more leniently."

Qiangba said Tibetan rioters had killed 13 "innocent civilians" in the unrest, but denied security forces had opened fire or used any lethal force to quell the violence.

Tibetan exiles said at least 80 Tibetans had been confirmed killed in the protests and possibly more than 100, while foreigners in Lhasa had earlier told AFP that Chinese forces had fired gunshots. - AFP/ac