When the impersonal force of government runs up against long-held personal values, the latter power prevails.

As part of a nationwide campaign to encourage cremation, China’s government has begun demolishing tombs. To those who stand atop China’s millennia-old traditions, this policy constitutes a sacrilegious show of disrespect. AFP News reports that six elderly Chinese people – one of whom was 91 – have decided to kill themselves rather than submit to it.

“It’s hard for the old people to accept the policy, so the government should give them more time to think about it, but not carry out the policy on such short notice,” said one village elder in the region.

After June 1st, every resident of Anqing, Anhui was to be cremated, a new law had declared. By committing suicide before the law takes effect, the aforementioned residents hoped to secure their right to be buried in the traditional manner.

“Before 1 June people can still consign their bodies for burial, but after that the only option offered will be cremation,” said regional officials.

[about_ian]