A top Tibet official yesterday corrected a misconception that the recent riots in Lhasa targeted only Han residents, saying the notion is meant to undermine ethnic unity.
Tibetans also fell victim to the March 14 riots, said Baema Chilain, vice-chairman of the Tibet autonomous region.
Of the 18 innocent people killed, three were Tibetans; and stores owned by Tibetans and Hui people were also burnt down or looted around the city's business center, he said.
While Tibetans make up more than 90 percent of the population in the region, Baema Chilain stressed the government is obliged to protect the rights of people of about 20 other ethnic groups.
He made the remarks while addressing a media group, including overseas journalists, on a three-day trip to Lhasa to interview victims, police officers and criminal suspects.
Some rioters, mostly Tibetans and a few Han people, said they were forced to join the looting and arson. Others said they had no idea what was going on when they were summoned by mobs.
"I was threatened and forced by some strangers to take part in the riots. I feel very regretful over that I want to say sorry to the victims," said 25-year-old Daindar, who turned himself in.
According to Baema Chilain, the local police have detained 414 criminal suspects for taking part in the riots. Among them are Tibetans, both monks and laymen, as well as Han people, he said.
Baema Chilain also said that 289 people who took part in the riots had turned themselves in so far, and 111 had been released.
Meanwhile, six of the 53 most wanted leaders of the riots have also surrendered to the police; and four more have been arrested.
With the situation in Lhasa back to normal, the local authorities are offering tax exemptions or interest-free loans to businessmen whose stores were destroyed in the riots, China Daily has learnt.
Baema Chilain also promised that tourists from both home and abroad might soon be able to come here. "Tibet is, and will, remain open to the outside world. The recent riots will not hinder our development and stability."
Questions:
1. What was the misconception a top Tibet official yesterday corrected regarding the recent riots in Lhasa?
2. According to the official what was the motive for this misconception?
3. Of the 18 innocent people killed, how many were Tibetans?
Answers:
1. That they targeted only Han residents.
2. To undermine ethnic unity.
3. Three.
（英语点津 Helen 编辑）
About the broadcaster:
Brendan joined The China Daily in 2007 as a language polisher in the Language Tips Department, where he writes a regular column for Chinese English Language learners, reads audio news for listeners and anchors the weekly video news in addition to assisting with on location stories. Elsewhere he writes Op’Ed pieces with a China focus that feature in the Daily’s Website opinion section.
He received his B.A. and Post Grad Dip from Curtin University in 1997 and his Masters in Community Development and Management from Charles Darwin University in 2003. He has taught in Japan, England, Australia and most recently China. His articles have featured in the Bangkok Post, The Taipei Times, The Asia News Network and in-flight magazines.
