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Police and demonstrators clashed last weekend as Hong Kong's weekend protests for democratization have already reached its 21st week. The Hong Kong police, who are suffering from manpower shortages, are pushing to re-employ 1,000 retired police officers.

Song Woo correspondent in Beijing.

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Thousands of citizens gathered in Hong Kong's Tsim Sha Tsui area.

This is to condemn the police's excessive violence in suppressing protests against repatriation law.

When protesters took over the road, police mobilized tear gas and water cannons to disband.

Protesters were scattered across the country, fiercely fighting and setting fire to Chinese shops and subway stations.

More than 10 people were injured in the clash that lasted until night.

The 21st week of protests in Hong Kong continues to be violent and happening simultaneously.

Police are suffering from shortages and are expected to hire more than 1,000 retirees and next year's retirees.

Hong Kong media say the government is considering adopting an independent investigation into police riots following the official withdrawal of the repatriation law among the five demands of the protesters.

A government official said, "If the situation is not resolved by the investigation committee, we will be able to consider setting up an independent investigation committee."

The Hong Kong Election Commission approved all candidates, except for the protestant Joshua Wong, ahead of the November 24 election.

Hong Kong's government's appeasement gesture is also aimed at preventing pro-Sang faction defeat in the parliamentary elections.