Don't Permit Yuen Long Rally, Warn Rural Leaders

Rural leaders of Yuen Long villages have asked the police to reject permission for a demonstration planned in the area for this Saturday, warning the force will "bear all consequences" if the march is allowed to go ahead.

The Shap Pat Heung Rural Committee in a statement warned that there were already online rumours of plans for attacks that night.

It also accused the march organiser of having a bad track record in holding peaceful demonstrations.

The rural leaders warned that if the police approve the application, the force will have to be held accountable for any serious consequences.

In an unusual move, the Yuen Long District Council also held a media briefing and expressed worries that there will be conflicts during the rally.

The council's chairman Shum Ho-kit warned that they fear an even higher level of violence will occur this time.

It appealed to both protesters and villagers to show restraint.

Shum said the council will hold a special meeting later to discuss last Sunday's attacks at Yuen Long's West Rail station which put dozens of people in hospital.