On August 13th around 9 a.m., a conflict between urban management officers (chengguan) and street vendors occurred on Fenghu East Road in Changfeng County, Hefei, Anhui Province.
According to the footage from the scene, multiple urban management officers and street vendors were seen grappling with each other. At least 5 officers in uniforms were involved, with both sides making choking motions and some individuals being thrown to the ground.
Ms. Li, one of the vendors, stated, “We were supposed to clear out before 9 o’clock, and we had already left. The urban management officers over there were verbally abusing us, which led to a conflict with us vendors here. Then, people from their side started to join in, and a fight broke out between our side and theirs, even hitting an elderly person from our side who has heart problems.”
In response, the staff from Changfeng County Urban Management Bureau stated to Cover News that the incident took place in Xiatang Town and involved the urban management team of Xiatang Town. The county’s Urban Management Bureau has initiated an investigation into the matter.
The Xiatang Town urban management team members defended their actions as regular enforcement, stating, “We set regulations for them, but the vendors did not comply with the management.”
The incident has garnered attention from internet users, with many expressing their concerns. Some netizens commented, “Doing business feels like running into a robbery.” “Life is too hard for ordinary people, relying on self-reliance but facing opposition from some.” “Hasn’t the country approved small vendors to operate roadside stalls?” “Those born in the 60s and 70s can’t find work, can’t even eat, there are many like that. I am one of them.” “A civilized society protects the weak from being bullied.” “Please protect vulnerable groups and enforce laws in a civilized manner.” “The authorities should publicly apologize to the vendors and compensate for their losses.”
Some questions were raised by netizens, such as, “Do law enforcement teams have such extensive powers and who granted them?” “In this day and age, one doesn’t realize how tough it is to run a stall, yet resorting to violence.” “If it were their parents, would they treat them the same way?” “This is driving people crazy until they take action.” “Is this a display of wealth?” “A seemingly small incident can trigger a butterfly effect.”