The situation in Lhasa, Tibet's capital, has been basically put under control after last Friday's commotion, said a veteran Tibetan official on Wednesday.

Ragdi, former vice-chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said the riot backed by the Dalai clique greatly jeopardized social stability in Tibet, when he addressed a meeting of the Counseling Committee on Development of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

"In Tibet, development is the priority of all work and maintaining a stable society is our responsibility. I hold stability comes first," he said, adding "So we should take into consideration the political situation and put the stability first while focusing on the economic and social development."

Ragdi suggested the true motive of the Dalai clique behind the criminal activities be disclosed, so as to maintain a stable and harmonious society in Tibet.