200 people have taken part in a peaceful protest against two newly-launched chemical projects in downtown Chengdu, capital city of southwest China's Sichuan Province. The symbolic walk lasted two hours and didn't cause any disruption.
The Beijing News carried a commentary saying that people should be encouraged to voice different opinions in appropriate ways. Like in this Chengdu case, the paper says, people's right way to safeguard their rights reflects the progress China has made in the field of legal construction. If not for such peaceful demonstrations to voice issues, there could be more serious social conflicts in the future.
The article also says that governments should work to take into account people's sentiments and help people convey different ideas. A trustworthy government not only needs to meet people's demands, but also needs to provide legal channels for people to express dissatisfaction.
It says a harmonious society does not mean a society in which people have similar ideas, but one in which people can have their problems solved in a regulated way.
The Beijing News adds that people making their voices heard could help governments in improving the way they function. In some cases, the paper says, governments chalk up plans that stir up public dissatisfaction because they do so without seeking the common man's opinion.
Without consulting the locals, governments cannot foresee all potential problems. It is often after plans have been put into place that ordinary people suddenly express indignation. Such practices, as the paper says, harms people and governments.