Exile Group Says 30 Killed in Tibet

"The hosting of the Beijing Games is the 100-year dream for Chinese people and I think the Chinese people, including our compatriots in Tibet, very much look forward to hosting the Games," Sun said.

Already the U.S. and other governments have urged China to show restraint toward the protesters, while International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge deferred, saying he didn't have details.

But a top official promised tough measures against detractors.

"We will deal harshly with these criminals in accordance with the law," said Champa Phuntsok, chairman of the Tibetan government.

"Beating, smashing, looting and burning we absolutely condemn this sort of behavior. This plot is doomed to failure," said Phuntsok, an ethnic Tibetan, speaking on the sidelines of the National People's Congress, China's annual legislative session.

Law enforcement authorities in Tibet were offering leniency for demonstrators who surrender before Tuesday. Otherwise, they will be "severely punished," according to a notice carried on official Web sites and confirmed by prosecutors.

Phuntsok blamed the uprising on followers of the Dalai Lama, who fled into exile in 1959 after the failed uprising and is still Tibet's widely revered spiritual leader.

From Dharamsala, India, the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile, the Dalai Lama appealed to China not to use force, saying he was "deeply concerned," and urged Tibetans "not to resort to violence."

It is extremely difficult to get independent verification of events in Tibet since China maintains rigid control over the area. Foreigners need special travel permits, and journalists are rarely granted access except under highly controlled circumstances.

But footage and photos sent from Lhasa showed plumes of smoke billowing from buildings and small shops scattered across several parts of the city. Fire trucks moved through mainly empty streets after dark.