By Lor Chandara
The Cambodia Daily
Wielding machetes, more than 100 Kompong Thom province villagers protested on Tuesday against the clearing of forest by a local company. "We protested today because we are losing more community ground for cow grazing and to farm," said villager representative Thai Khim. Ann Mardy Group, which Thai Khim said the government gave nearly 10,000 hectares of villagers' forest, has been bulldozing to make way for acacia plantations since last year. Adhoc human rights coordinator Nuon Phanit urged the government to reconsider its decision to concede the land to the firm, saying it did not qualify as a "depleted region" that was fit for clear cutting. Prim Ratha, Prasat Balang district police chief, said that villagers were wrong to claim the disputed land, as it is state-owned property. Prim Ratha added that the villagers have been told to file official complaints with commune and district officials, and that a resolution would be made after March 20.
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