Rainsy Visits Lor Peang Villagers in Boeng Kak

8/15/2014
Rainsy Visits Lor Peang Villagers in Boeng Kak | The Cambodia Daily
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Rainsy Visits Lor Peang Villagers in Boeng
Kak
BY MECH DARA | AUGUST 1 5, 2 01 4
The plight of the embattled Lor Peang villagers from Kompong Chhnang province
took on a political tone Thursday, when CNRP President Sam Rainsy paid a visit
to the former Boeng Kak lake area, where about 50 of the villagers are taking
shelter after walking from their homes to Phnom Penh to petition the
government.
Mr. Rainsy’s visit came a day after the villagers—three of whom were arrested as
they marched from their homes on Tuesday—were blocked by police in Russei
Keo district.
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CNRP President Sam Rainsy stands beside Oum Sophy, a representative of residents
from Lor Peang village in Kompong Chhnang province, during a gathering Thursday in
Phnom Penh. (Siv Channa/The Cambodia Daily)
“I have kept an eye on the situation and understand your difficulties, brothers
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8/15/2014
Rainsy Visits Lor Peang Villagers in Boeng Kak | The Cambodia Daily
and sisters,” Mr. Rainsy told the villagers, who say that the KDC company, owned
by Chea Kheng, the wife of Mines and Energy Minister Suy Sem, illegally grabbed
their land in 2002.
He said they were “victims, because your land has been encroached upon, stolen,
and they have used violence against you.”
On Wednesday, Mr. Rainsy announced his intention to haul Mr. Sem before the
National Assembly so that he can question him about the influence Ms. Kheng has
over the authorities and courts in the area.
On Thursday, he told the villagers that he and his party members would “struggle
together” with them. He told the crowd he would personally donate $200 to help
them pay for food and shelter, with a further $600 donated from CNRP
supporters in the U.S.
Lor Peang representative Khat Saruon—whose husband Seang Heng is in prison
awaiting trial on charges of intentional destruction of property and causing
violence against KDC workers in July—said villagers were grateful.
“When we were on the way [to Phnom Penh], we faced all kinds of obstacles—
beatings, arrests and being put behind bars…they treated us like animals, not
human beings,” she said of Tuesday’s clashes.
“When our people feel better, we will march to the National Assembly to demand
the release of our husbands and get back our land.”
dara@cambodiadaily.com
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