In a big jolt to the pro-democracy supporters and protestors of Hong Kong, the police on Wednesday cleared the area of protest, demolishing the camps and preventing protestors from further blocking the road. Although the operation for clearance began peacefully, things took a violent turn later as rioters and police clashed while the police was removing people from the street.
Image Source: Reuters
As it all unfolded in the district of Mong Kok, protestors tried to defend themselves but were eventually removed out of the streets. Some activists even pledged for regrouping and regaining the lost ground.
Court bailiffs supported by the police removed the camps between Nathan Road and Argyle Street. No instances of major violence were reported throughout the operation and it concluded in three hours, resuming the traffic on the road.
Protests for pro-democracy that began in September end is being supported by more than 1,00,000 people. The tents and camps were set-up as a part of civil disobedience campaign.
As the clashes began, supporters of the movement wielded their yellow umbrellas to defend themselves and shouted the slogans of full democracy.
Student leaders Joshua Wong and Lester Shum were arrested for contempt of court. Many other protestors too, were arrested by the police. The arrested protestors have been charged for possessing offensive weapons and obstructing officers from clearing the area.
As of now, there is no confirmation on whether or not the police will conduct clearance operations in the other locations of protests.
Tags: Hong Kong Hong Kong protest Mong Kok
