【明報專訊】150 days into the storm over the extradition bill controversy, the scale of protest mobilisation seems to have decreased slightly, but the intensity of violence has actually become higher rather than lower. With no breakthrough for the political impasse in sight, the relationship between the mainland and Hong Kong has become extremely tense while the relations between the police and the public have hit rock bottom. Against this backdrop, any unexpected incident can further escalate the crisis. Over the past weekend, acts of arson and sabotage were again seen in multiple districts. Acts of vigilantism have grown in severity in the midst of incessant conflicts and chaos, to the extent that they can claim lives at any time. All parties must restore calm and restraint, and prevent hate from overriding rationality. The police must carefully avoid provoking public sentiments when enforcing the law. In order to defuse the situation, the government must also take concrete action to address protesters' demands. It cannot adopt a heavy-handed approach merely without soft tactics and simply rely on the police force for curbing violence and stopping the unrest.