Hong Kong, Oct 1(UNI) Massive security was put in place and riot police deployed to thwart any violence

here on Thursday on the 71st anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China (PRC).

Riot police were present on the streets to prevent any march by pro-democracy protesters. The authorities

had banned any pro-democracy marches and protests.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam hailed the “return to peace” after months of protests. Lam and some senior officials attended an official National Day ceremony amid tight security at the Hong Kong harbor.

Every year China marks its founding day on October 1 with a national holiday and festivities. But last year

the festivities were marred by fierce clashes between pro-democracy protesters and police after China imposed sweeping national security legislation over Hing Kong in June.

Police said they had arrested five people on Wednesday for asking people online to participate in protest assemblies. Police conducted stop-and-search operations along what was expected to be the route for the protest march, Al Jazeera reported..

Online calls were made asking people to join the protests in several districts after police turned down a request by the Civil Human Rights Front to hold a rally citing COVID-19 and violence in previous marches. The Front had mobilised million-people marches last year,

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