Sit- in
SIT-IN: About 30 members from a Falun Gong splinter group meditated at the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau yesterday in a show of defiance ahead of the movement's eighth anniversary. The group, which has separated from the mainstream Hong Kong Association of Falun Dafa, held a demonstration session from 10am to 5pm outside the temple near the Big Buddha. Spokeswoman and leader Belinda Pang said local members would continue to accompany overseas followers to locations in Hong Kong to exercise before Thursday's anniversary. Anniversary events will include a march from Causeway Bay to Central. 'This is to raise awareness of the suppression of our activities on the mainland,' Ms Pang said. The anniversary marks the supposed 48th birthday of movement founder Li Hongzhi, a date mainland officials have disputed because it is also the Buddha's birthday. Mr Li lives in the United States. The mainstream association issued a statement last week which distanced itself from Ms Pang's activities. Picture: Edward Wong