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.

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.

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

He said key rioters should be punished with the utmost severity, while those who took part in the riot, who were provoked and cheated by separatists, should be given persuasion and education.

He said there is sufficient evidence to prove that the riot was masterminded and remotely controlled by overseas-based separatists and this was a serious struggle to maintain national unity against separatism.

The minister also said efforts must be made to restore peace and order, and prevent more violence breaking out.

Commissioned by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, Meng Jianzhu visited local police officers and members of the Armed Police personnel and mourned for the victims.