BEIJING, Aug. 6 -- China's minister of public security has pledged severe punishment and tough measures to crack down on terrorism.

Guo Shengkun, also a state councilor, made the remarks during an inspection tour between Aug. 1-4 of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region following a rash of deadly terrorist attacks there.

He called for improved intelligence collection, integrated prevention and control measures, and better early-warning and emergency response capabilities so as to leave no loopholes for terrorists to exploit.

Guo visited local police and residents in Shache County, where 37 civilians were killed and another 13 injured in a terrorist attack on July 28. Police gunned down 59 terrorists and arrested 215 others.

The minister urged officials to keep a clear mind on the grave, complicated and pressing nature of the current fight against terrorism.

He asked local authorities to rely on people in the grassroots, and to ensure that preventive and control measures are carried out in every household in every village.