Hong Kong, Aug 5 (TIWN) Chaos descended over Hong Kong and emotions ran high on Monday, hours after the launch of a citywide strike that disrupted train services, forced airport authorities to cancel flights, with protesters occupying roads and the police using teargas to disperse stubborn crowds, often to little avail.

A total of 82 people were arrested, the police said, hours after the launch of the city’s first general strike in 52 years aimed at pressuring the government to “properly” deal with an escalating political crisis that has rocked Hong Kong since June.

Commuter chaos, slogan chanting at rallies, bickering among citizens, confrontation between the police and protesters, and the use of teargas by police and increasingly violent moves by protesters were the order of the day, as discontent with the government and the police – and, for some citizens, with anti-government protesters – continued to intensify throughout the day.

Riot police were deployed to multiple areas across the territory and teargas was used to disperse protesters in at least six areas: Tin Shui Wai, Wong Tai Sin, Tai Po, Tsuen Wan, Tsim Sha Tsui and Admiralty, where the government headquarters is located, Efe news reported.