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A video of a group of elderly women dancing in a cemetery in Yunnan province, has sparked widespread controversy and anger among netizens. The women were seen line dancing to loud music, surrounded by gravestones in the Zhaxi Red Army Long Martyrs' Cemetery in Weixin County, Yunnan. The cemetery is the final resting place for war heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country.
What many found especially shocking was the blatant disregard for the sanctity of the cemetery. The incident quickly went viral, drawing harsh criticism from the public. Many netizens expressed outrage over what they saw as disrespectful behavior. One user commented, "I thought they were dancing in a mall. Doing this in a cemetery, especially one for martyrs, is just crossing the line." Another wrote, "[The government] should take away their retirement funds. Maybe then they wouldn't have time to dance in such places."
Others were equally appalled. "Have they no respect for the dead? Dancing over the graves of martyrs is beyond inappropriate," another commenter lamented. Some pointed out that dancing in cemeteries, especially in places like martyrs' parks, goes against traditional values and superstitions about honoring the dead.
The Weixin County Tuiyi Serviceman Affairs Bureau has since responded to the backlash, stating that they are investigating when the video was filmed and whether it violated local laws. They explained that while the cemetery is a public space, this is not the first time people have gathered there to line dance. Usually, these groups arrive before staff members begin their shifts at 7 a.m., staying in open areas away from the tombstones. However, this particular group danced directly in front of the graves, prompting the outrage.
In response to the growing criticism, the cemetery's management has put up signs warning the public not to dance in the area. They also stated that repeat offenders would be reported to the authorities. Under Chinese law, dancing in martyrs' parks or cemeteries is illegal, as it is seen as damaging the reputation and honor of the heroes buried there.
