The suitable word that can be used to replace the word "<em>rescinded</em>" in the passage is "<em>cancelled</em>."
The suitable replacement word is also called a synonym. In the passage "cancel" or "to take away" can replace "rescind," which is the root word of "rescinded."
This makes sense because the subordinating phrase "but the local officials have continued ..." that follows the main clause shows a negation of the action implied in the main clause. The antonym or opposite in meaning of the word "rescind" is "continue."
Thus, "cancel" or "take away" has similar meaning as the word "rescind" and can suitably replace it without changing the meaning.
