Violence in Hong Kong has gone into sheer terror and inhumanity as rioters set an ordinary Hong Kong citizen ablaze in broad daylight only because he opposed the attackers' acts of vandalism.

The brutal scene of rioters pouring flammable liquid over the victim's head and setting him on fire has been extremely dreadful and appalling to the eyes of those with a conscience and has greatly challenged our perception of how far rioters could go with violence and cruelty.

With the 57-year-old still in critical condition, there are questions we must put forward: How could Hong Kong society stay silent when rioters' inhumane acts are threatening everyone's safety and daily life? When will the violence end and order be restored?

It has been more than five months since the proposed ordinance amendments concerning fugitives' transfers sparked unrest in the city, with violence escalating from destructing public facilities, vandalizing shops, banks and media outlets to attacking the police, and even passers-by disagreeing with them.

Just as Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Carrie Lam has pointed out, what the rioters have done today has nothing to do with the proposed ordinance amendments, and it only makes them public enemies.

Unfortunately, until now, some people are still turning a blind eye to the escalating violence or even whitewashing the acts of terror. They are not aware that tolerating violence would cost Hong Kong everything that its people were once proud of: rule of law, stability, prosperity and a bright future.

Undoubtedly, violence breeds nothing more than violence itself. It would never bring the so-called democracy and freedom advocated by rioters and politicians messing up Hong Kong. On the contrary, it violates the rights and freedom of people in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong is at a critical junction. If some people in Hong Kong continue to ignore the truth irrationally and trust rumors, there will not be much time left for Hong Kong society to correct itself before slipping into the abyss of terrorism.

Justice, dreams and the future can only be discussed on the basis of humanity, and dialogue and communication will help solve dissidents and contradictions. When it comes to the question of ending violence, it is time for all the people in Hong Kong to stand up and say no to violence loud and clear.