One of the leaders of Hong Kong’s Occupy Central group has revealed that they plan to change tactics by dissolving street protests on Oct. 1 and calling for the resignation of Chief Executive CY Leung, instead of the “unrealistic” dream of universal suffrage.
Chan Kin-man, a sociologist and former professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, spoke to reporters from TIME magazine amid last night’s protests, insisting that Occupy Central wants “the people to stay out until at least Oct. 1”, after which they “will announce a new stage of the campaign”.
He cited worries of a bloody crackdown if the civil disobedience campaign continues, adding that he believes the drive for universal suffrage should be replaced with the more achievable goal of ousting CE Leung Chun-ying. “Once he steps down, we can start over,” Chan told TIME.
However, such thinking does not seem to mirror that on the ground in the midst of the ongoing protests, especially among the students, who accused Occupy Central of “hijacking” their week-long class boycott when organisers brought the broader protests forward by several days on Sunday.
While the sit-in took on a notably festive atmosphere last night, with food being handed out, DJs playing music and dance routines performed, many protestors insisted they are there for the long haul.
Such disconnect illustrates what is being seen as a distinct generation gap between the older professionals of the Occupy Central, who are cautious of rocking the boat too violently, and the more rebellious students, impatient for electoral reform.
Photo: Laurel Chor, Coconuts Hong Kong
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