MAIN roads in various locations in Hong Kong remained blocked as the “Occupy Central” movement continued yesterday, leading to school suspensions and traffic disruptions in busy districts.

    The movement started off early Sunday morning at the Government Headquarters in Admiralty and extended to Central, Causeway Bay and Mongkok, the city’s busiest areas, where an estimated 20,000 protesters were taking up the streets.

    Traffic was heavily disrupted when some of the key roads were occupied, with more than 200 bus routes suspended or rerouted due to the widespread protest. Passengers were forced to turn to the Mass Transit Railway, where some of the exits to Admiralty and Causeway Bay were closed.

    A total of 36 branches, offices and ATMs of 20 banks in the sit-in areas were temporarily closed in the morning, as were the shops nearby. The local banking systems, however, operated normally, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority said.

    The Education Bureau announced a suspension of classes of all kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools and special schools in Wanchai, Central and Western districts to safeguard students’ safety.

    Protesters called for a withdrawal of the decision on Hong Kong’s constitutional development made by the National People’s Standing Committee last month.

    Violence broke out between riot police and tens of thousands of protesters in Admiralty on Sunday when protesters charged the police cordon line. The crowd later spread towards Central. The police fired volleys of tear gas to disperse the crowd during the night, leaving the area in chaos.

    The police said yesterday afternoon that 41 people, including 12 police constables, were injured during the protests over the past few days.

    Hong Kong’s government is resolute in opposing the unlawful occupation actions by the “Occupy Central” movement, said Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung on Sunday.

    The Central Government firmly opposes all illegal activities that could undermine rule of law and jeopardize “social tranquility,” a spokesperson with the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of China’s State Council said Sunday.  (Xinhua)