Pro-independence localist groups on the rise in Hong Kong schools
At least 21 organisations have been established, and some do not rule out the use of violence to achieve their goals
Student activists have set up at least 21 localist groups in schools to discuss independence for Hong Kong, and some of them are not ruling out the use of violence to achieve separatist goals.
The revelation came yesterday as politicians, educators, students and parents continued to argue over how teachers could handle independence discussions in schools without losing their jobs.
Executive councillor Fanny Law Fan Chiu-fun waded into the debate by stating that independence talk was “too complicated” for school campuses.
The Education Bureau set off a storm by warning a week ago that teachers risked disqualification if they encouraged students to engage in pro-independence talk. Education minister Eddie Ng Hak-kim later said students could only hold such discussions under the supervision of teachers and within the limits of the Basic Law.
Ng has ruled out setting guidelines for schools, leaving it to the “professionalism” of teachers and principals. But critics are calling for more clarity on the restrictions, with a Basic Law expert asking the government to specify whether promoting independence is indeed unlawful.