HK student leaders call off talks with govt

Hong Kong

HONG Kong student leaders on Friday called off talks with the government aimed at bringing an end to mass pro-democracy demonstrations that have paralysed the city, after violent clashes broke out with pro-Beijing crowds at their protest camps.

The Hong Kong Federation of Students made the announcement after pro-government crowds descended on two of their camps on Friday, tearing down their tents and barricades in what activists said was orchestrated violence by paid thugs from "triad" criminal gangs.