Safeguarding ethnic unity damaged by the July 5 riot in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region is a fundamental task of the government, officials said here Friday.

The riot, which killed at least 197 people, has led to alienation among ethnic groups, said Nur Berkri, chairman of the Xinjiang regional government.

Governments at all levels must promote education on national unity and laws, especially among the young generation, farmers and herdsmen, floating populations and religious groups, he said.

Nur Berkri said officials should better understand what the public needs, especially those in poverty. More attention should be paid to providing psychological assistance to the victims and encouraging them to rebuild their homes.

He made the remarks at the 12th meeting of the 11th Standing Committee of the Xinjiang Regional People's Congress which ended Friday.

The meeting passed a resolution on cracking down on violent crimes and safeguarding ethnic unity and social stability.

The resolution said the riot was masterminded by the separatist, terrorist and extremist forces led by Rebiya Kadeer and was aimed at fomenting hostility, destroying stability and splitting up the nation.

Eligen Imibakhi, chairman of the standing committee of the Xinjiang Regional People's Congress, also called for efforts to clear the divide among ethnic groups.

"We must cherish the unity and stability just like we cherish our eyes," he said. "We must clearly know who are our enemies and who are our brothers and sisters."

Many ethnic minorities protected and rescued the Han people despite their own safety in the riot, which proved the unity could withstand any serious tests, he said. "Any separatist and terrorist attempts are doomed to fail because they damaged the fundamental interests and the happy life of all the peoples."

He urged the public not to believe or spread rumors but to fight against activities that inflict damages to ethnic unity.

Standing committees and deputies of all levels should step up legislation and supervision to crack down on separatist activities and violent crimes, he said.

The regional legislature plans to draw up regulations on the education of ethnic unity and rules of anti-separatism. The regulations on public security and religious affairs will also be revised, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 24, 2009)