Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) urged Falun Gong to abide by the laws of Hong Kong in a statement issued on December 11.

"We have taken note of the activities of the Falun Gong in Hong Kong. I wish to emphasize that it is essential for the Falun Gong to strictly abide by the laws of Hong Kong," Tung said.

"Practicing kung-fu, doing exercise and keeping fit are all worthwhile activities. But I should also point out that the Falun Gong has been categorized as an illegal organization in the mainland. There have been reports that the Falun Gong have led to loss of life and social disorders in the mainland," he said.

Tung called attention of the residents of the HKSAR to observing the laws of the mainland during their visit there.

The chief executive said organizers and participants of Falun Gong activities must not act in any manner which is against the interest of China, the HKSAR or the principle of "One Country, Two Systems."