Cremation push brings a backlash, says expert

Despite controversies, ministry official expects that 'inevitable' reform will not be impeded

Authorities should not take radical measures to increase the number of cremations, a government think tank expert said as the country prepares to unveil a new regulation on funeral affairs by the end of the year.

Li Bosen, head of the 101 Institute of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, a government think tank that specializes in research of funeral affairs, said radical efforts by local authorities to increase the cremation rate has resulted in incidents such as body snatching and elders committing suicide before the funeral reform is carried out.