The number of people killed in the July 5th riot in Urumqi has climbed to 156, with more than 1,000 people injured. The local government says they have brought the situation under control. Efforts to search for those who instigated and participated in the riots are continuing.

CCTV reporter Liu Ming reports from Urumqi

This woman can't hold back her tears. Her neighbor says the woman's husband was out working during the July 5th riot. No one knows whether he is till alive. Local residents are reluctant to talk about the violence.

A local resident said, "I am going back home. It's terrible. I will stop my business for a while because of safety concerns."

"It's brutal, really cruel. I am still afraid when walking on the street," said a local resident.

"It shouldn't have happened. It's bad," said another local resident.

Security guards have tightened security since the riot occurred.

A security officer said, "We have held our positions until now. Our soldiers have not slept since 7 p.m. on July 5th. We are on high alert and continue to patrol."

The local government has brought the situation under control， but it says they are facing a tough task to maintain social stability.

Jierla, Yishamuding, Urumqi mayor, said, "Out battle with ethnic secessionists is neither an ethnic issue nor a regional issue. It's a fierce battle to guard our national unity and ethnic unity."

Local authorities say the death toll has risen to 156. Meanwhile, over 1,000 people are injured. They are being treated in 19 hospitals in the city.

(CCTV July 8, 2009)