HONG KONG (Nov 25): Hong Kong police are holding back protesters in Mong Kok, who refused to disperse after authorities cleared a key road at the pro-democracy site.

Two hours after workers had removed make-shift barricades and tents at Argyle Street, protesters continued to stay in the area, facing off against rows of policemen. The police earlier detained some people.

The successful reopening of Argyle Street would pave the way for future action at Nathan Road, the main occupation area at Mong Kok, a densely populated working-class district that is a popular tourist and shopping area.

The protests, the most disruptive since China resumed sovereignty over Hong Kong in 1997, were sparked by Beijing’s decision to screen candidates through a committee for the city’s leadership election in 2017.

“The protesters have shined the spotlight brightly on Chinese policies regarding Hong Kong and the Hong Kong government’s complicity regarding those polices,” Michael Davis, a law professor at the University of Hong Kong, said by phone.

Mong Kok, on the north side of Victoria Harbour, has seen some of the most violent clashes since the demonstrations started.

Public support for the movement, which swelled after police fired tear gas at umbrella-wielding demonstrators on Sept 28, is waning.

About 68 percent of respondents said the government should take action to end the student-led protests, according to a survey conducted by the University of Hong Kong Nov 17-18.