Protest Disrupts Morning Service On Island Line

Train services on the Island Line were severely disrupted during Wednesday morning's rush hour after some protesters staged what they called a disobedience movement at Admiralty Station to protest against the railway operator over Sunday's Yuen Long attacks.

Dozens of protesters blocked the train doors from closing from around 8am, thereby stopping the trains leaving, forcing many commuters to find alternative means to reach their destinations.

The protest was an apparent response to online calls to start a civil disobedience movement against the railway operator, who they allege gave access to Yuen Long Station to suspected triad members who then attacked passengers.

The disruption of services quickly saw the platforms getting jam packed with passengers, with some yelling at the protesters while others applauded them.

One protester said from the videos that emerged on Sunday, it was clear that there was no MTR official present at Yuen Long Station when the armed gang attacked passengers in the train.

"It is unacceptable. They [passengers] were basically using a public transport service which should provide a minimum level of safety. They [MTR employees] should at least show up and do something to protect passengers," he said.

Some passengers accused the police of inaction over the Yuen Long attacks.

"What happened in Yuen Long made me very concerned about my own safety," said a female passenger from Kwai Tsing. "I can see the police force is not protecting us any more."

As the disruption continued, the MTR announced a delay of 10 to 15 minutes on the Island Line. Police officers were called to the scene as the protesters continued their action.

The officers then removed the protesters after some arguments and services resumed after about 90 minutes of disruption.

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