Less than a week after police cleared Nathan Road in Kowloon, Hong Kong, of barricades and tents built by Occupy protesters (see story), the situation in Central on Hong Kong Island across the harbour has worsened.
In the evening of November 30, student groups leading the movement announced plans to beseige the government headquarters building in Central. That triggered more protests in the surrounding areas. Lung Wo Road, which has become an important traffic link between the western and eastern parts of Hong Kong Island's urban area in recent months as Harcourt Road continues to be blocked, has been taken by protesters. Despite the use of pepper spray and batons, police were not able to stop the advances made by the Occupy crowd, characterised by a sea of umbrellas.
Road traffic will likely be severely affected tomorrow (Monday) and for days that follow on Hong Kong Island.
Although Nathan Road has reopened fully for traffic, sporadic protests have been occurring throughout Mongkok, and scuffles between police and protestors have been reported.
Visitors to the city are advised to make use of the Mass Transit Railway system whenever possible, and navigate through underground passages that connect train stations to major buildings in order to avoid protests.
It is worth noting that despite recent unrest, Hong Kong remains a safe place to visit and protests are confined to certain areas.
Reggie Ho
