The Umbrella Revolution is dwindling down to a few hundred protesters as the government begins to clear the majority of protest sites.
The streets of Hong Kong are filled with only a few hundred umbrellas; two months ago there were thousands. Police officers and court bailiffs began dismantling much of the protest zones in Mong Kok today.
The court in Hong Kong ordered the clearance of protest sites in order for the resumption of normal traffic. Transportation organizations have began to clear the roads with assistance from around 4,000 officers. There has not been much resistance for the most part.
The pro-democracy demonstration has lost wind. Though most of the movement’s leaders have accepted defeat in this battle, some student protesters refuse to surrender.
Last night, police and demonstrators clashed in Kowloon when protest sites were being cleared. Officers arrested 116 protesters and utilized pepper spray to fight the protesters. The altercation began after protesters delayed the clearing by requesting time to pack up their tents, according to the Associated Press.
“Police will ensure that the cleared roads will not be occupied again. If that happens, police will take resolute action. We’re here to restore social order and public safety,” said Senior Superintendent Kong Man-keung in a press release yesterday.
Public support for the movement has largely fallen. According to a survey taken on November 17-18 by the University of Hong Kong, 68 percent believed the government should actively end the student-led demonstration.
The leaders of Hong Kong and Beijing have not agreed to any of the terms made by the protesters. Though there have been talks, no progress had been made by either party. Beijing will continue to screen candidates for the 2017 election.
“We are always open to communication,” said Hong Kong City Official Carrie Lam.
The government offered the protest leaders an opportunity to engage in talks yesterday, but under the condition that protesters accept the screening of Hong Kong’s candidates.
