HONG KONG — Rush hour train services were disrupted and delayed in Hong Kong on Wednesday (July 24) morning after anti-government protesters launched another campaign against rail operator MTR Corporation.

The protest in Admiralty was a response to the violence in Yuen Long MTR station on Sunday, when a mob of men in white T-shirts attacked passengers, passers-by, and those returning from an earlier extradition bill demonstration in Central.

At 8.20am, protesters prevented a Chai Wan-bound train from leaving Admiralty station by obstructing the doors. The service finally left 18 minutes late.

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The MTR Corp said services had been disrupted and warned passengers it would take longer for them to reach their destinations. It expected Island line trains between Chai Wan and Kennedy Town to be delayed by 10 to 15 minutes as the emergency button on board was also frequently pressed.

There were disputes among passengers, protesters and police, as crowds grew on platforms.

“Your family members are getting beaten, how do you still have the mood to work?” protesters said.

“Hongkongers love to work!” another remarked sarcastically.

Arguments between protestors and those passengers who are heading to work.

“Your family members are getting beaten up and you still have the mood to work?” protestors argued.

“Hongkongers love to work so much!” another remarked sarcastically. pic.twitter.com/FGamz7lvai — Rachel Yeo (@racporter) July 24, 2019

This was the second time this week train services were disrupted.

Since Monday, protesters have demanded the MTR Corp be held accountable for failing to protect passengers during violent late-night attacks in Yuen Long on Sunday.

About 100 men carrying metal rods beat up citizens and passengers, leaving at least 45 people injured. Eleven suspects have been arrested so far in connection with the incident.

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The protests at Admiralty caused North Point station, which serves as an interchange for the Tseung Kwan O line and Island line, to come to a standstill. Announcements made at the station advised travellers to find other modes of transport.

Just after 9am, no trains had arrived at either platform, both of which were filled with morning commuters.

Some travellers opted to leave the station, and the MTR Corp allowed Octopus card users to leave without paying. Outside the station long queues formed at tram and bus stops.

Mr Kenneth Ng, an accountant, who lives in Yau Tang and works in Admiralty opted to take a bus to his office instead. He estimated it would add 30 minutes to his journey.

“It’s a bit of a hassle but I understand the protesters,” he said. “But my inconvenience is small in the grand scheme of things.

“When our government doesn’t listen, we need non-cooperation actions like this.”

Not everyone supported the protesters. Mr Sunny Lai Tat, 40, a clerical officer, was taken aback by the disruption.

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“I didn’t even know this was happening, there’s just too much information going on,” he said. “I’m a little unhappy because I was supposed to meet somebody at 9.30am, but now I’m going to be late.

“It’s affecting the public’s daily lives too much, so I suggest they shouldn’t do it at peak hours.”

By around 9.30am train services were gradually returning to normal in Admiralty and North Point.

As services resumed, the number of people waiting for buses and trams was significantly reduced.

Earlier, hundreds of people had queued up for trams and buses, with lines extending into the road at the intersection between Shu Kuk Street and King’s Road. SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST