Curb forcible demolitions

Forcible demolitions will not stop unless local government leaders are made to realize that they have to pay a price for exploiting land to earn revenue.

The amended regulations on requisition and compensation for State-owned land took effect on Jan 21, but only a few local land and resources officials have been punished. The central government, therefore, has to take some strict measures to ensure that the sanctity of State Council regulations is maintained.

The Ministry of Land and Resources issued a notice early this week, saying demolitions should not start before residents are paid proper compensation. This shows the amended regulations have yet to be carried out in earnest. This is something the State Council, or China's Cabinet, does not want to see.