Authorities in Hong Kong began clearing the main protest site there on Thursday morning, warning that pro-democracy activists who fail to disperse will be arrested.<br /><br /> They were largely met with resignation but there was also defiance from students whose street demonstrations have choked parts of the Chinese-controlled city for more than two months.<br /><br /> Many packed up belongings from inside their tents at the Admiralty district next to government buildings and the Central business area.<br /><br /> With pockets of resistance remaining among those demanding free elections, hundreds of police stood by as workers removed barricades, following a court injunction.<br /><br /> Tens of thousands of activists had taken part in these protests but the number has declined sharply – many wondering what if anything has been gained.
