Occupiers must retreat and devise a new strategy to continue momentum

Mong Kok has, thankfully, returned to normal at last. Order has been restored after several days of clashes between defiant protesters and police officers during a series of clearance operations along Nathan Road and Argyle Street. True, there were some disturbing scenes and finger-pointing. But the operation was by and large successful. The community is relieved to see the occupied areas finally reopened after two months.

The Occupy movement is far from over, though. Thousands of officers are being deployed to guard against possible reoccupation in the area. Many people are still camped out in Admiralty and Causeway Bay without any sign of retreat.

Crammed with dodgy entertainment and business outlets, Mong Kok has been regarded as a high-risk area. There was always a fear that it would be a flash point for violence, as proved by occasional confrontations between rival camps in the early weeks. That the court-ordered clearance of barricades turned into nasty clashes this week is regrettable. As tensions rose, so did tempers and emotions. It is good to see that the violence was quickly followed by law and order.

As shown in TV news footage, some protesters were cooperative and retreated soon after the clearance operation began. But there was also resistance at some stages, resulting in one of the biggest arrest operations in recent years. As in previous stand-offs, there were accusations that the police acted out of line. Journalists at the scene also complained of mistreatment. Officials said the court injunction did not restrict the police from exercising lawful enforcement powers. They also denied using excessive force in the operation.

Subject to the outcome of another court order being sought, Admiralty will be the next target. Earlier, a smaller clearance in the district went ahead without much drama. Unlike the provocation sparked by the use of tear gas to disperse crowds in Admiralty two months ago, the Mong Kok operation was completed without much outcry. The swing in public opinion lately is the clearest sign yet that the community is in favour of a swift end to the stalemate.

The occupiers have made their position abundantly clear over the past 60 days. Instead of bracing for possible violence in future clearances, they would be better off retreating voluntarily and devising a clear strategy that would allow the pro-democracy momentum to carry on in the long run.