Hong Kong: Stand-off continues at Polytechnic University campus November 18 /update 163

Event

Explosions and live ammunition rounds have been reported at around 16:40 (local time) at the Polytechnic University campus, in which at least 600 protesters were still barricaded on Monday, November 18, and armored police vehicles and water canon have been deployed on Chatham Road south.

Additional rallies have has been called on Monday by the social worker unions in the Urban Council Centenary Garden (Tsim Sha Shui) at 18:00.

The MTR public transport network announced disruptions on the East Rail and West Rail lines, Light Rail and bus services. On the East Rail line, traffic has been suspended between Hung Hom and Mong Kok East stations, and between Fo Tan Station and Sheung Shui stations. On the West Rail line, service has been suspended between the Hung Hom and east Tsim Sha Shui stations. The Tsim Sha Shui and Yau Ma Tei stations will remain closed on Monday, and additional buses will be deployed in the morning and evening rush hours between the Tai Po Market and Kam Sheung Road stations. Up-to-date information on train service and station closures can be found on the MTR website.

Severe traffic disruptions have been reported in the city, where around 100 roads, including the Cross-Harbour Tunnel, have been affected. Further protests may be organized with little warning and a heightened security presence is likely across Hong Kong until the political situation in the city fully stabilizes. Severe transportation and business disruptions are to be expected during all periods of protest activity. Clashes between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Several airlines have canceled flights to and also Hong Kong as tensions escalate. PT Garuda, SpiceJet, AirAsia, Jeju Air, Jin Air, PAL, and Cebu Air have announced further significant cuts in Hong Kong flights through at least January.

Context

Tensions significantly escalated across the territory on November 11, after a police officer shot a protester in Sai Wan Ho. Later in the day, a man confronting protesters was reportedly set on fire.

On September 4, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced the withdrawal of a controversial extradition bill, which would have allowed authorities in Hong Kong to extradite fugitives wanted in mainland China and other territories. The bill sparked mass protests of up to 2 million people throughout Hong Kong since June 9. However, protest actions have continued since the government's announcement, as protesters' demands evolved into a wider pro-democracy movement, calling for government reforms and police accountability over violence.

Demonstrations have spread from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and the New Territories in recent weeks and have also become increasingly violent. Activists have also accused the police of using unnecessary force in their attempts to disperse protesters.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor developments, avoid all protests and demonstrations, prepare for disruptions to transportation and business around protest sites, to confirm the status of their flights prior to departure for the airport and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

Individuals are also advised to avoid wearing black and white colors around protest zones or rallies as they are associated with protesters.