Prayers have returned to normal at the violence-hit grand mosque in Lhasa.

Friday is Jumu'ah, a day of holy obligation for Muslims, and at 2 p.m. more than 1,500 worshippers gathered at the mosque in Bagor Street, downtown Lhasa, to take part in prayers led by Imam Yagu.

Speaking about the riots, Imam Yagu told the congregation: "A handful of lawless people tried to cause conflict among people of different religions. Some people with ulterior motives seized the chance and spread rumors to sow discord among people of different ethnic groups and cause confrontation, which will not succeed."

The Imam urged believers to have a clear understanding of the situation and support social stability, economic development and national unity.

The unrest, which broke out in the Tibetan capital on March 14, also a Friday, left businesses looted and residences, shops and vehicles torched.

The mob started to attack the mosque at 3 p.m. when about 1,200 Muslims were at prayer. The service was halted and the building evacuated without injury. The mosque was set on fire at around 8:30 p.m..

At least 18 civilians and one police officer have been confirmed killed in the unrest, which also saw 382 injuries. Rioters set fire to seven schools, five hospitals and 120 residences. A total of 84 vehicles were burnt and 908 shops were looted. Damage is estimated at more than 244 million yuan (about 34.59 million U.S. dollars).

A group of officials from the China Buddhist Association Tibet Branch visited the prayers on Friday at the grand mosque.

Zhikongqungcang Lobsangqiangba, vice chairman of the China Buddhist Association Tibet Branch, said muslims in Lhasa and Tibetan Buddhists had been getting along well since the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and expressed his sorrow for the harm they suffered in the Lhasa unrest.

"The riots were organized, premeditated and incited by the Dalai clique, with the purpose of damaging national unity, fomenting discord among people of different ethnic groups and causing chaos in society," said the Buddhist leader, hoping Muslims could see clearly the nature of the Lhasa unrest.

Early on Saturday, four monks clad in saffron robes met with a group of religious workers led by Yagu at the mosque.

The monks, from Jokhang Monastery, also presented the mosque with 30,000 yuan (4,110 US dollars).

"At a time like this, we should all the more unite as one and overcome difficulties so that preaching religion can return to normal as early as possible," said Imam Yagu.

(Xinhua News Agency, March 23, 2008)