Agencies

Beijing, Mar 15: The Chinese authorities announced on Saturday that people who took part in riots that rocked Tibet's regional capital Lhasa must surrender by Monday midnight, Xinhua news agency reported.

Xinhua said that Tibetan law-and-order authorities had issued the notice accusing rioters of burning schools, hospitals, shops and houses, and killing 10 innocent people.

The announcement of the security crackdown came as state television for the first time showed scenes of rioters burning buildings, another sign that authorities are preparing a public campaign to condemn the riots.

However, the authorities in the riot-hit Lhasa maintained that rioters who turned themselves and others in would be treated leniently, state media reported.

"Those who turn themselves in to public security or judicial organs by midnight on Monday can receive light or reduced punishment according to law," said a joint notice issued by the Chinese-controlled Tibetan government police and judicial authorities.

"Those who surrender can also avoid punishment according to law if they contribute by turning in others," said the notice, which was carried by the Xinhua news agency.

"Violators who do not comply with the deadline will be severely punished under the law," it said.

The notice was issued a day after the city erupted in riots against China's control of the Himalayan region, with crowds setting fire to businesses and vehicles.