Villagers, police face off in Phnom Penh over Koh Kong sugar petition

Meanchey district police and security guards yesterday clashed with about 70 Koh Kong province villagers at the capital’s Samaki Rainsy pagoda, shoving and pushing them as they tried to make their way to the Ministry of Land Management.

The villagers were attempting to follow up on a petition they submitted last week asking for intervention in their long-running feuds with sugar concessionaires Koh Kong Sugar Industry, Koh Kong Plantation and Heng Huy Agricultural Company.

As the villagers tried to exit the pagoda, where they’ve stayed since August 3, police officials and security guards formed a human chain to prevent them from leaving. A shoving match ensued as authorities attempted to close the gate, which villagers then forced open.

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