A revered living Buddha in northwest China's Gansu Province said Wednesday that the separatists-instigated sabotage had tainted the image of lamas and left people disheartened.

Jamyang Losang Jigme Tubdain Qoigyi Nyima, vice president of the Tibetan Chapter of the Buddhist Association of China, told reporters that the destruction in Gansu was nothing but blatant exposure of separatism and insanity.

From March 14 onwards, violent arrays of assault, vandalism, looting and arson broke out in the counties of Xiahe, Maqu, Luqu and Jone and Hezuo City in the Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

The riots in Gannan alone saw 94 people injured, with an economic loss of 230 million yuan (32.6 million U.S. dollars). Theinjured included 91 policemen, two government officials and one civilian, the local government reported.

"What the saboteurs had done showed their true nature to our Tibetan people," said Jamyang, one of the most revered religious leaders in the country.

"I was truly saddened that some of my disciples in Labrang Monastery also participated in the destruction. Usually people respect and honor the lamas in Labrang. But after that, when people speak of lamas, they associated the names with the bad deeds that a few had committed.

"Most of our disciples in the temple were angry at the reckless ruination of lives and properties. They were also worried now and they prayed to the Buddha that such destruction never happens again."

Jamyang said Labrang would not expel any of the disciples who were engaged in the riots. "But a few lawbreakers will have to be dealt with according to the law," he said. "Like anyone else, they have to abide by the law."

The religious leader added that he was also annoyed by the Tibetan separatists who disrupted the Olympic torch relay outside China.

"The Olympics belongs to the whole world. No matter which country is the host, any havoc directed at the Olympics would be nothing but desperate acts that counter people's wills," the lama said.

Qiangba Puncog, chairman of the Tibet regional government, said at a news conference in Beijing Wednesday that Tibet would be fully prepared for Olympic torch relay and make sure the relay is safe and successful.

(Xinhua News Agency April 9, 2008)