People's Daily says crush Tibet protest

BEIJING, March 22 (UPI) -- The Chinese Communist Party's People's Daily said Saturday the government should resolutely crush what it called the "Tibet independence forces."

In a lengthy editorial commentary attacking the weeklong Tibetan protests against decades of Chinese rule, the powerful organ said:

"We must see through the secessionist forces' evil intentions, uphold the banners of maintaining social stability, safeguard the socialist legal system and protect people's fundamental interests, and resolutely crush the 'Tibet independence' forces' conspiracy and sabotaging activities so as to foster a favorable social environment for reform and development and for people's happiness and welfare."

The newspaper said China "will allow no person or force to undermine the stability of the region."

The commentary repeated the official Chinese line that the protests were masterminded by "the Dalai Lama clique with the vicious intention of undermining the upcoming Olympics and splitting Tibet from the motherland."

Protesters say they want autonomy, but not independence from China.