URUMQI, July 9 (Xinhua) -- China's top police officer on Thursday vowed to take firm and resolute actions against all thugs in the Urumqi riot and punish them according to law.

    Meng Jianzhu, state councilor and public security minister, made the remarks while visiting local residents in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

    Meng also visited the funeral parlor to mourn for the armed police and other victims who died in the riot.

    At least 156 people died and more than 1,000 others were injured in the July 5 riot.

    "All the thugs in the riot should be severely punished in accordance with law, otherwise we will let the victims and their relatives down," Meng said.

    The crime was irrefutable evidence of separatists plotting to split the country and undermine ethnic unity, Meng said.

    Meng urged the local government to offer necessary aid to families of victims and take care of the injured people, so that they could return to normal life as soon as possible.

    He also urged the local government to encourage and rely on the public to report clues to police and make all the separatists "have no place to hide".

    The public should recognize evil intentions of ethnic separatists, expose their plots to destroy the prosperity and development of Xinjiang, Meng said, adding all ethnic groups should join hands in building a better future for Xinjiang on the basis of mutual understanding and support.