The Hong Kong government recently decided to renumber several lamp posts that previously bore codes referencing the date of the Tiananmen crackdown. The numbers “8964” and “6489” have been replaced with new codes. This move was made in an effort to avoid controversy within society, according to Ronny Tong, a barrister and government advisor. Tong stated that the government is handling the situation carefully and does not believe that changing the lamp post numbers causes harm to anyone.
Initially, there were a total of 16 lamp posts with the figures “8964” or “6489” that have now been renumbered. The Highways Department updated data last Friday to reflect the changes. For example, a lamp post in Tuen Mun with the identifier V8964 is now VG7374, while one in Tai Po numbered VE6489 has been changed to VL0733. The authorities’ actions were highlighted by independent journalist BoomHead, who reported on the changes in lamp post numbers.
The renumbering of the lamp posts comes at a time when public commemorations of the Tiananmen crackdown have become increasingly restricted in Hong Kong. Annual vigils that used to be held at Victoria Park to honor the victims of the 1989 crackdown have been banned in recent years, citing various reasons such as Covid-19 restrictions. The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which organized the vigils, disbanded in September 2021 following the arrest of several members.
The anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown is now marked by a heavy police presence in Hong Kong, with increased security measures around Victoria Park. Meanwhile, statues and artwork paying tribute to the victims of the crackdown have been removed from university campuses in the city. The Pillar of Shame monument was taken down from the University of Hong Kong, and the Goddess of Democracy statue was removed from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
As the authorities in Hong Kong continue to tighten restrictions on public commemorations of the Tiananmen crackdown, the renumbering of lamp posts is seen as part of a larger trend to limit discussions and activities related to the sensitive date. The changes in lamp post numbers reflect the government’s efforts to manage data and infrastructure in the city.
