Fears of violence as Falun Gong and foes clash over banners
Confrontations intensify as opponents of spiritual movement step up their protests
A banner war that has erupted between Falun Gong supporters and an organisation opposing them has alarmed lawmakers who fear it may escalate into violence.
In recent months an organisation called the Hong Kong Youth Care Association Limited has put up anti-Falun Gong banners in response to those placed by the spiritual movement, which is banned on the mainland.
The English slogans on the banners have included, "Boycott Falun Gong evil cult"; "Build a harmonious Hong Kong"; "Taiwan Falun Gong get out of Hong Kong"; "Eradicate Falun Gong"; "Cherish your life, stay away from the evil cult - Falun Gong"; and "Anti-Falun Gong".
They have appeared in Causeway Bay - especially near the Sogo department store - as well as near Hung Hom train station, the Star Ferry terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Wong Tai Sin Temple, and along Nathan Road as far as Mong Kok. Places as far away as Tung Chung and Yuen Long also have the banners.
In July, members of the two groups argued angrily over banner space at the Lok Ma Chau Transport Interchange at the border. One anti-Falun Gong activist allegedly threatened a reporter from the Epoch Times, a Taiwan-based newspaper supportive of Falun Gong, with a knife. The incident was reported to the police, but an investigation found insufficient evidence to arrest anyone for possessing an offensive weapon.
Tensions between the groups have since escalated with banners belonging to each organisation being torn down regularly.