150,000 soldiers deployed near Hong Kong in view of the Chinese establ

Hong Kong/Beijing: Fresh manoeuvres to assert more control over Hong Kong have begun as Hong Kong could become a stumbling block to celebrations marking 70th anniversary of Chinese communist rule. Nearly 150,000 police personnel have been deployed in the Guangdong region, close to Hong Kong and have been ordered to be in a state of readiness. Last month, China had issued a warning to the Hong Kong protesters by conducting anti-riot drills involving thousands of soldiers in the Shenzhen region near Hong Kong.

October 1 commemorates the formation of the Chinese communist rule and is celebrated as the National Day across China. On the occasion of National Day, military parade, display of spectacular fireworks and cultural events are organised all over China. However, this year Hong Kong protests cast a shadow over the celebrations of the National Day. Though preparations are in full swing in China, many important programs and firework display have been cancelled in Hong Kong.

It is under the pretext of the National Day that Chinese government has reportedly made the additional deployment in the Guangdong region. 150,000 policemen have been ordered to be prepared till the National Day. Moreover, all the security bases in the Guangdong area have been ordered to conduct drills, including Livefire. The internal security department has even released videos of soldiers holding drills.

Although the Hong Kong protest has completed four months, its intensity has not yet reduced. Despite the reassurances by the pro-Chinese administration in Hong Kong, the response to the protest construes that the feeling of discontent among the people of Hong Kong still continues. Various groups from Hong Kong have been participating in the protest, the extent of which is seen to be widening.

The local security agencies have initiated robust action to suppress the protests. Police force, tear gas and pellets have been aggressively used. To stop the protesters, allegations of violence and provocation are being made and 1,500 protestors have been arrested, so far. On the other hand, the Chinese government has ordered the Chinese military base in Hong Kong to be ready and even a warship has been deployed in the Hong Kong port.

Units of para-military forces have been deployed in the Shenzhen province near Hong Kong and it is being threatened that they can enter Hong Kong at any time. Against this background, the deployment of 150,000 in Guangdong attracts attention.