Hong Kong activists called off protests today to mark 9/11 attacks

Hong Kong activists called off protests on Wednesday in remembrance of September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States.

Hong Kong has been rocked by months of sometimes violent unrest, prompted by anger over planned legislation to allow extraditions to China, but broadening into calls for democracy and for Communist Party rulers in Beijing to leave the city alone.

"Anti-government fanatics are planning massive terror attacks, including blowing up gas pipes, in Hong Kong on September 11," the Hong Kong edition of the China Daily said on its Facebook page alongside a picture of the attacks on the twin towers in New York.

"The 9/11 terror plot also encourages indiscriminate attacks on non-native speakers of Cantonese and starting mountain fires."

The post said "leaked information was part of the strategy being schemed by radical protesters in their online chat rooms".

The protesters called off action on Wednesday.

"In solidarity against terrorism, all forms of protest in Hong Kong will be suspended on Sept. 11, apart from potential singing and chanting," they said in a statement.

Lam said in a speech on Wednesday that Hong Kong was grappling with significant challenges, from the trade dispute between China and the United States to the recent unrest.

Several peaceful protests are planned for the next few days, combining with celebrations marking the Mid-Autumn Festival.