Bulldozing of crops reignites dispute
Contractors hired by Cambodian land brokers bulldozed through four hectares of villagers’ crops in Poipet town on Monday, breaching a truce contract that protected the villagers’ land until January 1 next year. According to the contract, the families residing on land claimed by 11 independent Cambodian land brokers would move to an area near their original Stung Bot village. Instead, bulldozers greeted the families on Monday, destroying crops, three small sheds and the familys’ livelihood. … Residents have resided on the land since 1997 and were issued land titles in 1998. However, the land brokers claim to have held a title since 1993. The villagers are now demanding compensation and the right to remain on their land. …
