Letters | For both Hong Kong protesters and police, amnesty is the best way forward

I am writing to say thank you. Thank you to Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor for hearing our plea and suspending the controversial extradition bill. Thank you to the Hong Kong Police Force, for serving with courage and restraint during such troubled times. And thank you to the people of Hong Kong, who came out in force, with dignity and pride, to send a powerful message.

Now it’s time for society to heal. I suggest that the chief executive consider declaring an amnesty over this affair – no charges against any of the protesters and no inquiry into the use of force by the police. I see only further harm to our society if this incident is prolonged or revived intermittently – by court prosecutions, questions at the Legislative Council and so on.

At the same time, average Hongkongers should do what we can to mend ties. Perhaps businesses and restaurants could offer discounts to police and protesters alike; a small gesture, but one that I am sure would be appreciated. At the very least, it might move everyone away from a combative mindset to a more conciliatory one.