Conflict Erupts During Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage; NPA: Strict Enforcement and Strengthened Security
Following a violent clash during the Dajia Mazu pilgrimage that injured three officers, Taiwan's National Police Agency vowed strict prosecution and enhanced security deployments for the remaining route.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 19, 2026 at 11:47
- 🔍 Collected: April 19, 2026 at 12:00 (13 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 19, 2026 at 12:11 (11 min after Collected)
The National Police Agency (NPA) stated in a press release that a violent conflict occurred yesterday while the Dajia Jenn Lann Temple Mazu pilgrimage passed through Changhua. Religious activities should be built on a foundation of rationality, peace, and mutual respect, and the police will absolutely not tolerate anyone using the occasion to cause trouble, violently attack others, or assault police officers.
The NPA mentioned that the officers in this incident were performing their order-maintenance duties according to the law but were pushed and attacked by lawbreakers, resulting in injuries to three officers, which severely challenged public authority. In addition to arresting perpetrators on the spot, the police have thoroughly reviewed relevant video footage to actively expand the investigation into those involved, vowing to prosecute strictly without leniency.
Furthermore, the NPA stated that it has issued further orders to police agencies along the subsequent pilgrimage route in Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Changhua County, and Taichung City to strengthen safety maintenance mechanisms. They are to communicate and coordinate closely with temple officials and local parade groups in advance, and enhance security measures at critical road sections, reception and resting points, and crowded areas.
The NPA noted that preventive deployments and increased monitoring will be aimed at high-risk periods and potential troublemakers. Measures such as deploying superior police forces in advance, mobile emergency support, and zoned traffic control will be taken to prevent sudden conflicts.
Regarding any acts of violence committed under the guise of religion, the NPA emphasized the principles of "strong law enforcement and strict accountability" to demonstrate its determination to maintain law and order and public authority. Simultaneously, it called on participating citizens to remain rational and law-abiding to jointly preserve the solemnity and safety of this major religious event. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150419
The NPA mentioned that the officers in this incident were performing their order-maintenance duties according to the law but were pushed and attacked by lawbreakers, resulting in injuries to three officers, which severely challenged public authority. In addition to arresting perpetrators on the spot, the police have thoroughly reviewed relevant video footage to actively expand the investigation into those involved, vowing to prosecute strictly without leniency.
Furthermore, the NPA stated that it has issued further orders to police agencies along the subsequent pilgrimage route in Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Changhua County, and Taichung City to strengthen safety maintenance mechanisms. They are to communicate and coordinate closely with temple officials and local parade groups in advance, and enhance security measures at critical road sections, reception and resting points, and crowded areas.
The NPA noted that preventive deployments and increased monitoring will be aimed at high-risk periods and potential troublemakers. Measures such as deploying superior police forces in advance, mobile emergency support, and zoned traffic control will be taken to prevent sudden conflicts.
Regarding any acts of violence committed under the guise of religion, the NPA emphasized the principles of "strong law enforcement and strict accountability" to demonstrate its determination to maintain law and order and public authority. Simultaneously, it called on participating citizens to remain rational and law-abiding to jointly preserve the solemnity and safety of this major religious event. (Editor: Wu Su-jou) 1150419