Tibet’s Communist Party secretary Zhang Qingli has also warned of a “long-term” struggle against the Tibetan exile movement.

“We are in the midst of a fierce struggle involving blood and fire, a life-and-death struggle with the Dalai clique,” he said.

Around 100 people have also surrendered to the police in Lhasa to avail a leniency offer. Baema Chilain, vice-chairman of the regional government, said those who surrendered were directly involved in beating, smashing, looting and arson.

“Some have turned in the money they looted,” Baema said. “We have sufficient evidence proving that the Lhasa riot was instigated, planned and organised by the Dalai clique,” veteran Tibetan leader Ragdi said.

According to Ragdi, the violent crime instigated by the Dalai clique is nothing but a symbol that shows fierce
head-on combat between pro-China Tibetans and the Dalai clique, which has an important political connotation.

Initially led by monks, the demonstrations began peacefully on March 10 on the anniversary of a failed uprising in 1959 against Chinese rule, and then it spiralled out of control.
 
The Tibetan government in exile in Dharamshala says 99 people have so far died in clashes with security forces, including 80 in Lhasa. But China says only 13 were killed.

Moreover, China has banned foreign journalists from entering Lhasa and the flow of information is tightly controlled, making it difficult to verify these claims.