A Fear Of More Violence Hangs Over Yuen Long

People in Yuen Long went about their activities as usual on Friday, although some said they were worried that things may take a turn for the worst if protesters take to the streets there on Saturday.

The police have denied permission for a protest march in the town, but it is expected that hordes will turn up in response to online calls for people to go there for shopping and dining, as a way to get around the ban on a rally.

Yuen Long has become a flash point after an armed gang wearing white t-shirts sought out those wearing black tops, the preferred colour of anti-extradition bill protesters, and attacked them and innocent bystanders at the MTR station last Sunday.

The protest march on Saturday was called in response to the violence, but police denied permission for a march saying they feared it would lead to clashes between protesters and villagers.

A female resident of Yuen Long said she’s not sure whether the police could protect people if clashes break out, although she saw a strong police presence on Friday in the neighbourhood.

A worker at a snack shop in Yuen Long said they are not planning to close up on Saturday.

"Our shop manager will provide water and supplements for the protesters arriving in Yuen Long," he said. "We are not scared our shops will be attacked. If we come under attack, we will shut our doors."

But a student surnamed Wong said he believes there’ll be violence if the march goes ahead. He said he wants to protect Hong Kong, but as the march has been declared illegal, he and his friends will just go out to have some food.

A housewife with two children said she wanted to join the march to support the protesters. But she told RTHK that she is afraid there’ll be attacks on those taking part.