Forced Cremation Policy in Hubei’s Suizhou Sparks Protests

A Chinese woman praying at the grave of a loved one at the Babaoshan cemetery in Beijing to mark the annual Qing Ming (Ching Ming) Festival or grave-sweeping day. Visiting the graves of ancestors during Qing Ming. Photo credit should read STR/AFP via Getty Images

In Suizhou, Hubei Province, the city of Guangshui has ignited fury among its residents due to its stringent enforcement of a mandatory cremation and public cemetery policy since March. The controversial measure spurred a three-day uproar in Changling Town, with thousands taking to the streets demanding its retraction.

Mr. Ding (pseudonym), a resident and participant in the protests, said there was significant turnout, including the involvement of numerous elderly citizens from Changling Town and neighboring areas. The demonstrations, which commenced on May 1, witnessed a surge of support from residents incensed by the policy’s implications.