Petitioners travel miles to be heard at annual sessions

Legislators want changes in xinfang laws

BEIJING - When deputies and members of the annual sessions of the nation's top legislature and political advisory body gathered in Beijing to deliberate draft laws and raise proposals, petitioners from the grassroots level followed them all the way to the nation's capital to voice their concerns. They are hoping that their complaints will be heard and addressed.

Li Jincheng is one of them. The 55-year-old farmer traveled all the way from his village in Henan province to Beijing to petition higher officials, accusing local authorities of illegally confiscating his land.