Angry Villagers Confront Tonle Bassac Removal Force
By Pin Sisovann
The Cambodia Daily
Angry villagers repulsed nearly 100 workers and 60 police officers attempting to dismantle market stalls in Phnom Penh's Tonle Bassac commune's Village 15 and Village 2 Monday. After 7 am, hundreds of villagers cried out "One, two, three, go away evil!" and began throwing rice and debris at the municipality's removal force. Vendors also said that they had prepared urine and feces to throw at the police and loaded slingshots in case the police used violence. Chamkar Mon district police chief Uch Sokhonn blamed the resistance to the eviction on a few inciters. "We only need to explain to [the community] not to listen to inciters of violence," he added. However, villagers compared the municipality's force to the Khmer Rouge Monday. "They want to close the market like Pol Pot," food vendor Ruos Pov said. Hired worker Meas Sry said he was deprived of his $5 fee because the demolition job had been suspended. The Village 15 and Village 2 site is now owned by the 7 NG construction company, which is providing apartments in Dangkao district for many residents of both villages who agree to voluntarily relocate. Community representatives and City Hall disagree on the number of families living in the community and the number of those who have accepted 7 NG's relocation offer.
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