China's Minister of Public Security Meng Jianzhu (C) visits the Sera Monastery and holds talks with local monks during his two-day visit to Tibet that concluded on Monday, March 24, 2008. (Photo: Tibet Daily)

Chinese State councillor Meng Jianzhu, also head of the Public Security Ministry, has visited Tibet, leading a central government work team consisting of several ministers, the local authority said.

The central government work team consisted of top officials from the State Council, United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Public Security Ministry, State Administration for Religious Affairs and army and para-military officials.

The team visited the Jokhang Temple, Sera Monastery and Zhaibung Monastery and held talks with the monks on Sunday and Monday.

"Every religion should carry out their activities according to the law and should never undermine national solidarity. Participating in the riot essentially violated the doctrines of Tibetan Buddhism," said Meng.

The team also visited the shops, street and districts which were destroyed in the riot.

Meng bowed down to the portraits of the five shop assistants who were burnt to death in the Yishion clothing store on March 14.

Meng called for vigilance against the new secessionist activities of the Dalai group, in talks with the regional officials.

Violent riots, which the government said was organized by the Dalai group, broke out in Tibet's capital Lhasa on March 14. Rioters set fire to shops, schools, hospitals and residences. At least 18 civilians and one police officer have been killed.

(Xinhua News Agency March 25, 2008)