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Rioters paralyse traffic in Hong Kong to mar 70th anniversary of PRC

 Hong Kong was hit by a fresh bout of violence on Tuesday when radical protesters damaged properties, attacked police and paralysed traffic.

The unrest started with unauthorised assemblies in areas including Wan Chai, Sham Shui Po, Tuen Mun, Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan and Wong Tai Sin.

In Tuen Mun, some protesters hurled objects such as umbrellas at police officers. Local TV report also showed protesters beat police officers with sticks and umbrellas.

 “A large group of violent protesters outside Tuen Mun Town Hall have set up barricades, damaged properties and attacked police at scene,” said the police in a statement.

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“Police will use appropriate force to disperse the protesters. Police warn protesters to stop illegal acts and leave immediately.”

In Sha Tin and Wong Tai Sin, protesters built barricades to block roads.

Police said after repeated warnings in vain, they have “deployed tear gas and appropriate force” to disperse the radical protesters. Prolonged unrest in Hong Kong has seriously disrupted people’s normal life and hurt local economy.

On Tuesday, nearly 30 stores and shopping malls were closed, while at least 16 Mass Transit Railway (MTR) stations were closed as of 2:00 p.m. local time. Some buses suspended services, while more than 80 others were forced to reroute.  

The 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) was celebrated in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Tuesday.

A flag-raising ceremony was held at the Golden Bauhinia Square Tuesday morning. After China’s national flag was hoisted, helicopters of the Government Flying Service flew over the Victoria Harbor displaying China’s national flag and the flag of the HKSAR.

Some ships in the sea replied with water salute. Following the ceremony, a grand reception was hosted by the HKSAR government in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“Over the past seven decades, our country has marched ahead steadfastly, persevering through severe tests and challenges with indomitable spirit and transforming into an open, progressive, prosperous and rejuvenated nation in steady steps,” said Acting Chief Executive Matthew Cheung in his speech at the reception.

Following the reform and opening-up, China has made great strides, from first standing on its feet to becoming prosperous and growing strong, he said, adding “the phenomenal advancement of our nation has attracted worldwide attention.”  -Xinhua

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