The Lhasa aid center has helped 49 business men and women who lost their shops and became homeless during the riot on Friday by providing free meals, train tickets and medical treatment, according to sources with the local Civil Affairs Bureau on Monday.

An official with the bureau said that the victims could get free tickets back home after they obtained written proof from local public security bureau.

For those who want to stay in Lhasa, the center will provide free accommodations, food and clothing, said the official.

(Xinhua News Agency, March 17, 2008)