HONG KONG (Reuters) – Hong Kong cleaned up yesterday and resumed train services after a weekend of sometimes violent protests that saw pro-democracy activists vandalize a railway station and shopping mall.
Police on Sunday fired tear gas to disperse protesters in the latest clashes in more than three months of unrest that has plunged the Chinese-ruled city into its worst political crisis in decades.
The biggest of several clashes took place in or near Mass Transit Railway stations, now a familiar target of attack because stations are often closed at the government’s behest to stop demonstrators from gathering.
Hundreds of protesters had gathered in the New Town Plaza in the New Territories town of Sha Tin on Sunday, chanting: “Fight for freedom” and “Liberate Hong Kong.”
Activists trampled on a Chinese flag near the train station and rounded on a man they believed had opposed them. Protesters also smashed video cameras and ticket booths in the station.
Some started to trash fittings at the entrance of the mall. The protesters then spilled outside where they set fire to barricades made of cardboard, broken palm trees, and other debris.
MTR said yesterday train services had returned to normal.
The former British colony is on edge ahead of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic on Oct. 1, with authorities eager to avoid scenes that could embarrass the central government in Beijing.
The Hong Kong government has already called off a big fireworks display to mark the day in case of further clashes.