OPINION> Commentary
Get the right answers
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-11-20 07:49

Yet again, relocation sparked a violent backlash. Once more, it was explained as an ill-informed public being "used" by a few "with ulterior motives."

Again, normalcy was restored quickly, thanks to efficient responses with direct involvement of higher authorities.

Now, as was true in all previous such cases, local authorities are making all-out efforts to "properly handle" the aftermath of the Longnan disturbance.

Given the local officials' preoccupation with stability, we can rest assured that the same may not happen again in the same place in a fairly long period of time. And it will not take long for us to see some "string-pullers" and damage-doers convicted, and quite possibly a few officials demoted.

Some may prefer this one, like many similar cases in the past, to be taken as just another isolated case. Indeed, an unpleasant episode should not blind us to the bigger picture, or "overall situation."

The bigger picture is fine. We see reassuring signs of harmony and stability. But let us not be carried away. There is something the authorities cannot afford to overlook in the fresh show of popular discontent.

The violence in Longnan left more than smashed windows, burnt vehicles, looted offices, and dozens of injuries. The solution should not stop at repairing damaged properties, healing wounds, and assigning liabilities.

There are more questions the local authorities must answer. How did the pending relocation become a flashpoint at all? Why didn't they take the initiative and communicate with those to be resettled? Why did the protestors refuse the authorities' offer to talk with their elected representatives and turn violent instead?

In some previous conflicts involving resettlement, local officials were found colluding with developers and bullying the resettled. We hope this was not the case in Longnan.

Given the local people's indignation, however, local officials should at least take a serious look at the way they interacted with the public. Judging from the development of the crisis, there was distrust at work. Why?

The majority may have been used. But how could trouble-makers make the case without a sizeable crowd feeling bad? Why should people be so angry and vulnerable to instigation? There must be a reason for it.

And relocation as a constant source of instability calls for particular vigilance.

Since the central government has unveiled an astronomical investment package for the next few years, more residential homes may have to give way to public infrastructure projects.

Can the Longnan incident make development planners a little more attentive to the concerns of those otherwise voiceless? Is there a way to make people less frustrated when they have to sacrifice their homes?

(China Daily 11/20/2008 page8)