[This site is run by journalists dedicated to China’s freedom
and is a good source for China uncensored news.]
2011-08-09
NTD Television
Thousands of residents in China’s southeastern Hunan province clashed with police last week over plans for a waste processing plant. Authorities in Beishan county, Changsha prefecture want to build the plant above a dam. Locals oppose the move, saying it will cause serious pollution to their water source.
The protests happened last Thursday. A local government worker, who asked to remain anonymous, said it was sparked by the arrest of two villagers who had led calls against the plant. Amateur footage and photos posted online by witnesses show the crowd outside the Beishan government building.
[Beishan Government Worker]:
"The police arrested two villagers. The villagers then wanted to find out why they were arrested. The wife of one of the men, they said she drank pesticide [in protest], and was taken to the hospital. The man’s father also fainted. This is when the clash broke out."
The officer says authorities deployed a large number of police to contain the protest. Several villagers were injured in the protest.
[Beishan Government Worker]:
"There were about a thousand police who had come, or were awaiting orders at their posts. These included anti-riot police, special forces and city-patrols officers. This led to some clashes. The crowd stretched out for about half a mile. From what I know, the protest lasted between 3 and 11pm, and then things went back to normal."
According to information posted online by locals, Beishan authorities began construction for the plant in July. It came despite desperate pleas by residents who fear their land will be polluted when the plant begins processing industrial waste.
American Report 