Xinjiang Communist Party of China (CPC) chief Wang Lequan said Monday the riot in Urumqi revealed the violent and terrorist nature of the separatist World Uyghur Congress leader Rebiya Kadeer.

"The riot has destroyed the spiritual support with which the terrorist, separatist and extremist forces cheated the people to participate in the so-called 'Jihad'," Wang said in an interview with Xinjiang TV.

"The incident also revealed Rebiya's nature of fake human rights, fake democracy, true violence and true terrorism," he said.

Wang called the riot a profound lesson learned in blood and said all Party members should take the strongest measures to deal with the enemies' attempt at sabotage and keep regional stability.

"We must always bear in mind that national unity is our lifeline," he said.

More than 140 people died and at least 828 were injured in Sunday night's riot in Urumqi, the regional capital. The death toll would still be climbing, the regional government said Monday.

Rioters burned 261 motor vehicles, including 190 buses, at least 10 taxis and two police cars, said Liu Yaohua, the region's police chief.

Police have arrested several hundred in connection with the riot, including at least a dozen who were suspected of fanning the unrest. Police are still searching for about 90 other key suspects in the city. Liu said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 6, 2009)