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Updated November 12th, 2019 at 14:52 IST

Hong Kong: Schools, universities shut amid violent protests

As Hong Kong faces its one of the worst days of protests on Nov 11 the authorities have ordered some schools and universities to remain close over safety fears

Reported by: Bhavya Sukheja
Hong Kong
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As Hong Kong faces its one of the worst days of protests on November 11 the authorities have ordered some schools and universities to remain close over safety fears as protesters called for a day of traffic disruptions. However, the Chief Executive Carrie Lam said that there would be no blanket suspension of all schools regardless of the unrest. According to international media reports, many train lines were also suspended or delayed due to police searches and long queues formed at stations. 

Early Tuesday, Police fired tear gas in universities to disperse student protesters. The city's English Schools Foundation reportedly suspended ESF classes and asked the students not to travel to school. The suspension of railway services and road closures had reportedly also led to long traffic jams in the early rush hour. The student protesters at Hong Kong Polytechnic also tried to disrupt traffic near their campus. 

READ: Hong Kong Police Official Shoots Protester In Chest During Clashes

READ: Protesters In Hong Kong Vandalize Subway Station, Storm Mall

US condemns violence

Amidst the protests, the United States has expressed “grave concern” and condemned the violence during the anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong. In a statement issued on November 11, the US department urged the Hong Kong government to build on its dialogue with the public and begin efforts to address the underlying concerns driving the protest. The US has also urged the demonstrators to respond to efforts at dialogue. 

The US State Department Spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said, "The United States is watching the situation in Hong Kong with grave concern. We condemn violence on all sides, extend our sympathies to victims of violence regardless of their political inclinations, and call for all parties -- police and protesters -- to exercise restraint”.

She further added, “The increased polarisation within Hong Kong society underscores the need for a broad-based and sincere dialogue between the government, protestors, and citizenry writ large,"

The statement has also urged Beijing to honor the commitments it made in the Sino-British Joint Declaration. The commitment included that Hong Kong will “enjoy a high degree of autonomy” and the people of the region will enjoy human rights, freedom of express and peaceful assembly. The US also believes that Hong Kong will preserve its special status under US law. 

(With ANI inputs)

READ: Hong Kong Police Watchdog Unequipped To Probe Response: Experts

READ: 7 Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Lawmakers Detained
 

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Published November 12th, 2019 at 13:25 IST

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