Tibet's governor has promised leniency to any anti-Chinese protesters who turn themselves in before tonight's midnight deadline, as Chinese troops battled to stop sympathy protests that have spread to three neighboring provinces.

Tibetan exile groups claim that last week's violent demonstrations have left 80 dead.

The uprising, the fiercest against Chinese rule in almost two decades, has embarrassed China's communist government and undermined its efforts to have an unblemished run-up to the Beijing Olympics.

"If these people could provide further information about the involvement of other people in those crimes, then they could be treated even more leniently," said Champa Phuntsok, an ethnic Tibetan installed as the region's governor.

Otherwise, he added, "we will deal with them harshly."

"No country would allow those offenders or criminals to escape the arm of justice and China is no exception."

He described a scene of chaos throughout Lhasa on Friday with "people engaged in reckless beating, smashing, looting and burning." Shops, schools, hospitals and banks were targeted and bystanders were beaten and set on fire, he said.

"If these people turn themselves in, they will be treated with leniency within the framework of the law," he said, underscoring the terms of a notice issued over the weekend by law enforcement agencies.

The Washington, D.C.-based International Campaign for Tibet said residents were fearful of a military sweep after the deadline at midnight tonight (4pmGMT).

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