Beijing: Reports of protests and clashes with police are emerging from various parts of China these days. According to reports, public dissatisfaction over environmental issues, land-related disputes, and government decisions is growing, and is now openly visible on the streets.
Given the situation, the administration has tightened security, especially in Beijing. Experts believe that the increased security in the capital is related to maintaining political stability and ensuring the safety of the top leadership.
Recently, viral videos on social media showed a heavy police presence deployed on Chang’an Avenue. This road passes near several important government buildings, so security arrangements here have been further strengthened.
In Wuhan, protests against a battery manufacturing project are continuously intensifying. According to an ANI report, local residents have been opposing this project since February due to concerns about its environmental impact.
On March 8, thousands of people took to the streets to protest, which was dispersed by police using force. Several protestors were also detained during this time. Angry crowds surrounded the Deputy Mayor’s car and demanded the release of those arrested.
Although the administration had earlier assured to stop this project, reports indicate that construction work is still ongoing. In protest of this, hundreds of people once again took to the streets on the night of March 28, after which the police took action late at night, detaining many people.
In the Shuikou area of China’s southern Guangdong province, a dispute over a crematorium project is also deepening. Local residents are opposing the plan to build a crematorium near a residential area and a school.
On March 25, approximately 3000 people protested on this issue. According to eyewitnesses, clashes occurred, in which many people were injured, while some were detained by the police.
Given the situation, the administration has increased surveillance in the area, imposed movement controls, and intensified identity checks on people. Local residents state that the proposed crematorium is being built very close to a primary school and a water source, which could have negative impacts on health and the environment.
Previously, protests on the same issue also occurred between March 17 and 19, which later escalated into violent clashes.
