Thursday 2 October 2014

Umbrella Revolution: Pro-democracy Protests in Hong Kong


The pro-democracy protest in Hong Kong now famous under the name Umbrella revolution is finding huge solidarity among students in Australia, Europe and Asia. The mass protests are so called as the ammunition of students in their non violent marches is the Umbrella, armour against the tear gas and pepper used by officials to disperse crowds. With the clarion call for restoring greater autonomy and democracy thousands of students thronged the streets of Hong Kong in stiff protest against the authoritarian and repressive regime of the mainland China. At the time of annexation in 1997 China has signed an agreement with Britain to maintain the status of the city as one nation two systems. As per the agreement, Hong Kong would enjoy high degree of autonomy and freedom except in matters of foreign affairs and defence for 50 years. China has reneged on the promise on conducting open election in Hong Kong by 2017 and the basic right Universal Suffrage is abrogated.

China intends to wrest its control on the identity and freedom of their lucrative commercial hub, Hong Kong which is administered by a chief executive elected by 1200 member pro-Beijing supporters committee. But now the 5 million strong Hong Kong electorates are insistent on electing their own chief executive. Even after 17 years of after return of sovereignty, China maintains that they are ready for full democracy.  Hence the citizens of Hong Kong are betrayed. In the meanwhile as a compromise formula, China asserted that two or three candidates pre-screened by committee loaded with pro-China sympathisers would contest the elections. Electorate are proffered with choice of electing a chief executive from the preselected candidates.

Hong Kong people are outraged and students are incensed by China’s proposal. They could foresee their perilous slip of becoming a Chinese city whose wings of freedom are clipped. In Hong Kong there is some dissidence from the pro-Beijing groups-Silent Majority for Hong Kong and Caring Hong Kong power and Business people who criticise pro-democracy activists as endangering the city. These groups view China positively and favour the proposal of Beijing. China has introduced a white paper in June 2014, asserting its control over Hong Kong. This was supported by the Chief executive of Hong Kong who in turn sent out a message that majority are in supportive of the Chinese stance. This misinterpretation has paved way for the mass pro-democracy protests. Immediate stepping down of the Chief Executive might defuse the anger of the protestors to a significant extent but it may not be a long term solution.

 China has been slowly trying to extend its control over the city in the form of Patriot Act or the security measures under article 23. These acts were courageously driven out by the Hong Kong people. In 2012, China made an attempt to introduce patriotic education of Beijing style curriculum into local schools. Scholarism, a group formed by the secondary school students put up bold protests following which China has to abort its attempts. There has been continual efforts and determination from the people of Hong Kong to maintain their degree of political freedom and identity. 

China has a long history of peaceful democratic protests dating back to the 1989 Tiananmen Square episode led by students, which changed the course of country. China is more distraught now as the protests in Hong Kong are steered by students. These protests are now receiving support from the Occupy Central for love and peace led by intellectuals. Students launched their protests by boycotting classes from Sep 23rd ahead of the Occupy Central scheduled for Oct 1. China celebrates Oct 1st as its national day marking the founding of People’s Republic of China in 1949.  The crowds began to swell and began to assume greater proportions prompting attention from the Communist China. People from all walks of life are now extending their support and voice to these protests.

China is more worried as while it is hitching plans to extend its control over the neighbouring territories and islands claimed by other countries, it is grappling under the demand of greater autonomy in Xinjiang and Tibet. The insinuations in the form of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong and stiff opposition from Taiwan to bring it back to mainland are anachronous to the ambitions of Communist party of China. But fearing China’s backlash all countries including Britain the erstwhile authoritarian of the City has wavered away from strongly detesting the aspirations of expansionist China.
 
 
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2 comments:

Perugu Balu said...

Hong Kong people are outraged and students are incensed by China’s proposal. They could foresee their perilous slip of becoming a Chinese city whose wings of freedom are clipped.Correctly said we can not tolerate such Basic Right

Ramaharitha Pusarla said...

Yes....the voices of pro-democracy leaders are now loud and clear....lets see how things get settled in Hong Kong!!!!