SEEING clashes and vandalism in its stations, the MTRC changed its strategy 
towards protesters. Other than securing an injunction to prevent vandalism and insulting staff, some stations were closed and services suspended as clashes and chaos were expected. Trains did not stop at the stations affected either. Some democrat legislators criticised it for causing nuisance but it was a necessary measure to ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
With the district council elections nearing, pan-democrat councilors and workers from three districts petitioned at the MTR headquarters protesting station shutdowns. However, they said nothing about how protesters earlier blocked train doors to disrupt train services in their "non-cooperation movement" or the chaos and damage during rallies inside stations. It makes one suspect if they are only using passenger convenience as an excuse.
Thugs used stations as "battlefields"
AT the beginning of anti-amendment protest clashes, the MTRC did its best to ensure a smooth flow of passengers including protesters, even arranging special trains for them. To make things easier, it did not take action against those who, for example, blocked train doors, caused nuisance or entered the paid area 
without a ticket. This, however, made protesters escalate their action. They even surrounded frontline workers and caused rampant chaos while seriously damaging facilities.
In the past when protesters "struck" and clashed with police, they would swarm into MTR stations. They forced police to disperse them and brought more chaos.
Later they targeted frontline MTR staff. They sieged the control rooms of two MTR stations, pointed laser beams at station staff, hurled insults and spoiled the walls with graffiti . They also applied adhesive tapes on sensors at the gates. Later, they started all over, pouring oil and spreading rubbish everywhere and prevented staff from closing the gates. On one weekend,the MTRC said facilities in 21 stations were damaged. Such destruction brought not onlyinconvenience but also safety problems.
Trouble may escalate without preventive measures
THE MTRC closed several stations during the weekend protests to prevent chaos. Allowing protesters to use the stations as "battlefields" not only brought great pressure on frontline staff who tried to keep order but citizens who used the stations were also affected. Their personal safety is a concern. If destructive acts escalate to affect signalling systems, the danger will be even greater.
Hence, when there are major protests in various districts, for the safety of staff and passengers, some stations have to be shut down even if it will mean inconvenience for passengers.
