China is expecting to expand economy by urbanization of its large rural population. However, urbanization is not simply to replace old houses with high skyscrapers. Many farmers become victims as their houses are threatened to be removed by local governments. The following news tells what is happening in my hometown, Cangzhou (Hebei province), a city 150 miles from the capital, Beijing.
Li, Huanling a 72-year-old man, lives in Dajinzhuang, Yunhe District of Cangzhou. He and his many other neighbors are under pressure to leave their house so the local government can build large skyscrapers. Li is elderly and not completely mobile. He and his family have lived in the current house for many years. It will be difficult and painful for him to move to a skyscraper. Li and his many neighbors are trying to remain in their house but there are hired thugs that have been continually harassing them by using explosives and closing essential utilities including water and electricity. They had petitioned many times to local governments, but nothing has been resolved. The violence escalated last month when his son (Li, Baocheng), who is trying to help, was attacked and stabbed with knives multiple times so that he nearly died.
This story is just a representative of many tragedies behind the so-called miracle economy in China. The pictures show that Mr. Li’s wounded son, his damaged house by explosion, and a demolished house without an agreement. Chinese governments should protect human rights in the process of urbanization.