The minister of public security has called for no leniency in the punishment of thugs who took part in the Urumqi riot on Sunday. Meng Jianzhu issued the statement during a visit to injured residents and families of people killed in the riot.

Minister of Public Security Meng Jianzhu first visited injured people  at local hospitals in Urumqi.

The July 5 riot killed at least 156 people and injured more than 1,000.

Minister of Public Security Meng Jianzhu first visited injured people at local hospitals in Urumqi.

He said the riot inflicted grave harm to the economy and society, posing a serious threat to the safety of local residents. He told medical staff to treat the injured with care, and said the local government should offer material assistance to help residents overcome difficulties.

The minister of public security has called for no leniency in the  punishment of thugs who took part in the Urumqi riot on Sunday.

Meng Jianzhu said all ethnic groups in Xinjiang have worked hard over the past decades and achieved great progress in building a prosperous society.