The beginning of a new school term yesterday was a grim reminder to bereaved parents still fighting for justice for their children killed by the collapse of shoddily built schools during the Sichuan earthquake.
Although 31/2 months have passed since the quake, parents who lost children at Beichuan No1 Middle School still refuse to give in to authorities' pressure to silence them, and have continued to press for a proper investigation into the deaths.
The school, which lost more than 1,300 students, is one of the 'tofu' schools that crumpled within seconds while other buildings nearby were able to withstand the tremors.
Parents blame poor building quality caused by corruption and lax government regulations.
About 200 parents lined a street in Anchang yesterday, where Premier Wen Jiabao's entourage passed through after his visit to a school in Beichuan county, hoping to call on him to carry out a formal investigation.
But few could get a glimpse of Mr Wen as the vehicle drove past. Those who tried to move a step closer were immediately stopped by police.