Anti-parallel trading march underway in Sheung Shui

Riot police positioned themselves on the footbridge leading to where the march was to start. Photo: RTHK

Some of the marchers raised their hands and spread out their fingers to signify the five demands of the anti-government movement. Photo: RTHK

Several hundred people began marching through Sheung Shui on Sunday afternoon, accusing the government and police of failing to take action against parallel trading in the district.



Riot police were on standby in the area, which the march organiser said was unnecessary as the authorised event will be peaceful.



The organiser said there would be about 100 marshals to maintain law and order.



The protest route will go past shops that are frequented by parallel traders. Many shops such as pharmacies along the route were already closed ahead of the march and the streets were largely deserted.



Meanwhile, a rural leader has started a clean-up campaign in the district.