Illegal activities will be punished, say authorities
The authorities issued a stern warning yesterday after a series of violent protests across the country, emphasising the Communist Party's leadership and the need to abide by the law.
The People's Daily vowed in a front-page commentary that no illegal attempts to disrupt social stability would be tolerated as the country went through a critical stage of reform.
'Unity and stability are the overarching themes for the country and the people's wishes,' it said, noting the source of growing social unrest lay within the contrasting interests of various groups. 'However, resolving any such problems must be done in line with the laws and the maintenance of stability. The solution of any problems must rely on the party, the governments, laws, policies and the system.
'Any illegal activities are not to be allowed and will be punished in accordance with laws.'
The commentary, also carried by Xinhua and state television, urged local authorities to actively deal with 'instability factors' to prevent widespread public dissatisfaction from spreading or turning into violence.