Kandal provincial governor (centre) Kong Sophorn during his July 26 visit to the 605 Battalion land border police headquarters. - KANDAL ADMINISTRATION
PHNOM PENH (The Phnom Penh Post/Asia): In a push for reinforced security along the Cambodia-Vietnam borders, Kandal provincial governor Kong Sophorn has urged the military, specifically the forces stationed along the frontier, to intensify their vigilance.
Sophorn also recommended a ban on leasing land in border areas to individuals from neighbouring nations during his July 26 visit to the 605 Battalion land border police headquarters.
Expressing his admiration for the commitment of the military and local authorities in maintaining security, the governor applauded their successful transformation of the border into a peaceful area. He recognised their efforts in fostering friendship, cooperation and trade, thereby benefiting the local economy and livelihoods.
"The peace, friendship, cooperation and development along our borders are a testament to the exceptional service of our National Police and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. They consistently put their lives on the line for the sake of our nation at all stages," he said.
Sophorn told border forces to continue strictly implementing national laws and emphasised the importance of adhering to the government's directive against selling or renting farmland or residential property in the border area to individuals from neighbouring countries. He pressed for a clear census of those owning land along the frontier.
Despite not having received any reports about land rentals along the border, Soeng Sen Karuna, deputy head of rights group ADHOC, expressed his support for Sophorn's proposal. He lauded it as a significant measure towards enhanced border protection.
"It is indeed commendable to strengthen protection and prohibit land sales or rentals along the border," Karuna said.
"But I would also urge local authorities to consider development initiatives in these areas, by enhancing agriculture, livestock and markets. If we can create economic opportunities for the locals, they will not contemplate leasing their land to individuals from our neighbouring countries," he added.
