The city's party secretary, Li Zhi, reiterated that Sunday's riot incident was not an ethnic issue. He accused the separatist group led by Rebiya Kadeer of orchestrating the violence and said terrorism, separatism and extremism were behind the riots. Li Zhi said the violence was intended to disrupt social stability and ethnic unity.

The city's party secretary, Li Zhi, reiterated  that Sunday's riot incident was not an ethnic  issue.

Li Zhi said, The overwhelming majority of the suspects involved in the deadly riot have been arrested. Some of them are students. Most of these youngsters were unaware of the truth. If they did not play a major role in the violence, they will be released. As for those who took part in the riot, the government will punish them according to the law. Brutal criminals will be sentenced to death.

Li called on all ethnic groups remain calm and restrained to maintain normal order of the city.

(CCTV July 9, 2009)