Three police officers were injured and two suspects were arrested after several clashes broke out in Changhua City as the annual Dajia Matzu pilgrimage passed through late on Saturday, the Changhua County Police Department said.
At about 10:50pm, a dispute which erupted between members of a group welcoming the procession escalated into pushing and shoving.
When the police intervened, three officers were injured.
Photo courtesy of a member of the public
Two suspects were arrested at the scene while others involved would be identified and summoned after a review of surveillance footage, the Changhua Precinct said.
Police said the bureau chief had instructed senior officers to visit the injured personnel in the hospital.
In a separate incident along the procession route in Changhua early yesterday morning, two men were involved in another altercation which was quickly brought under control.
Police said the dispute reportedly began after a man’s girlfriend fell, which then triggered a confrontation.
The authorities have reiterated a zero-tolerance stance on violence, adding that all incidents were swiftly contained.
Meanwhile, the National Police Agency condemned “troublemakers that undermine public authority,” reiterating its determination to enforce the law and hold violators accountable.
It added that it has ordered police units along the procession route in Yunlin, Chiayi and Changhua counties, as well as Taichung, to bolster mechanisms to maintain order and safety.
The agency also urged the public to be reasonable and comply with the law at the religious event.
Responding to the clashes, Dajia Jenn Lann Temple (大甲鎮瀾宮) vice chairman Cheng Ming-kun (鄭銘坤) urged participants to be considerate of police efforts to maintain order.
Organized by the temple in Taichung, the Dajia Matzu pilgrimage is one of Taiwan’s largest religious events, drawing tens of thousands of participants each year.
This year’s procession began on Friday and is expected to conclude on Sunday.
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