The situation has begun to return to normal in Lhasa after a day that saw windows smashed, shops robbed, and a mosque burnt down. The Tibetan regional government says seven people have been confirmed dead in the riot.

Witnesses say the unrest started around 1 p.m. on Friday.  Several people clashed with and threw stones at the local  police near the Ramogia Monastery in downtown Lhasa, the  capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. (CCTV.com)

Witnesses say the unrest started around 1 p.m. on Friday. Several people clashed with and threw stones at the local police near the Ramogia Monastery in downtown Lhasa, the capital of southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Rioters set fire to shops along two main streets in the capital.

At least five fires were reported and dense smoke was seen covering the area. A Tibetan government official told China's Xinhua News Agency that there was enough evidence to prove that the sabotage in Lhasa was organized by the Dalai clique.

The official says the violence, which included looting and arson, disrupted the public order, jeopardized people's lives and damaged property. Several injuries were reported as a result of the violence and the injured were taken to hospital. The number of causalities is not yet known.

A local official said relevant departments of the regional government are taking effective measures to handle the incident.