HK police declare to clear remaining occupy sites

Workers clean the main Nathan Road at Mongkok shopping district, after police cleared a protest site which has occupied the street for weeks, in Hong Kong, November 26, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

HONG KONG - Hong Kong police authorities declared on Tuesday evening that the police force will clear all barriers at the protest site in Admiralty on Thursday and support bailiffs executing injunction orders on the unlawful occupation.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Cheung Tak-keung told a press conference that the occupation has been affecting the daily lives of Hong Kong people for more than two months and the police must restore order.

According to Cheung, all barriers blocking roads and pedestrian access on Connaught Road Central, Harcourt Road, Tim Wa Avenue, Tim Mei Avenue and Gloucester Road will be removed.

The protest site in the Causeway Bay will be cleared later at an appropriate time, he added.

Cheung urged the protesters to pack their personal belongings and leave the protest site peacefully as soon as possible since the police will not give them much time on Thursday.

He warned the protesters not to resist or charge the police, reiterating that the police will take resolute action to preserve order and safety.

The Occupy protest in Hong Kong started on Sept. 28 and blockaded several main roads and streets in Kowloon and Hong Kong island, which has resulted in serious traffic disruption, less tourists, temporary closure of schools and banks and a slump in local stock market trading.

Hong Kong police has assisted bailiffs clearing the protest site at Mong Kok in Kowloon on Nov. 25 and 26.

The main appeal of the protesters is to oppose a framework set by China's top legislature on the election of Hong Kong's next chief executive by universal suffrage slated in 2017.

In accordance with the Basic Law, the top legislature has decided that chief executive candidates to run the universal suffrage must be nominated by a 1,200-member nomination committee.