Continuing unrest

I had visited Hong Kong once and found the place vibrant and lovely. It is distressing that the political crisis continues in the city for so long.

Now, following a day of violence in which one person was shot by police and another set on fire, Hong kong’s leader Carrie Lam has pledged to “spare no effort” to halt anti-government protests that have wracked the city for more than five months.

Her comments are only likely to fuel speculation that harsher legal and police measures may be in the works. The recent unfortunate death of Chow Tsz-lok, who studied at the University of Science and Technology and fell from the third to the second floor of a parking lot when protesters were being dispersed, may also fuel anger at police, who are already under pressure over accusations of excessive force.

With more demonstrations being planned over coming days and weeks, all sides need to take extreme caution and avert any kind of violence. Demonstrators should express their views in a peaceful way.

When I visited the city some years ago, business was thriving. The unrest has already pushed Hong Kong’s economy into recession for the first time in a decade. Retail and tourism sectors have been hit particularly hard as tourists stay away.

The turmoil means the economic recovery will take a very long time.

Yes, the only best way forward is for the authorities and the people of Hong Kong to engage in sincere dialogue to resolve all issues peacefully.

Robin Sen

By email