RCAF evicting for bases: NGO
The Royal Cambodian Armed Forces have evicted nearly 1,000 families in 14 provinces in the past five years, ostensibly to build military bases, according to a report released by rights group Adhoc yesterday. The report outlined Adhoc’s concerns over ongoing land disputes between local communities and the military since the Preah Vihear border dispute began in 2008, when the military mobilised troops in border areas. Myriad bases were constructed in the following years, putting pressure on communities in Preah Vihear, Oddar Meanchey, Pailin, Pursat, Battambang and Koh Kong provinces to give up their land. “People who lose their land cannot farm and receive death threats if they confront the military,” the report reads, adding that 938 families had lost more than 2,000 hectares. In February 2010, Prime Minister Hun Sen instituted a new policy whereby businesses would provide donations to units of the armed forces in exchange for security being provided to protect their interests. …
May Titthara
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/rcaf-evicting-bases-ngo
