A hundred members of the Lor Peang community performed a cursing rite yesterday over a 10-year running land dispute with the KDC International Company.

The traditional ceremony, meant to punish wrongdoers, was organised in response to a lack of government intervention between 90 families seeking compensation for 183 hectares of land acquired by KDC, despite many filed complaints.

The Chinese company is co-owned by the wife of Cambodia’s Minister of Mines and Energy Suy Sem.

“We do not want the government and company to procrastinate anymore because our living standard becomes gradually worse,” said Om Sophy, a community representative.

The group marched one kilometre, from Sophy’s house to Tuol Krosang temple in Ta Ches commune, Kampong Tralach district, as part of the ceremony, the second they have performed.

Phat Povseang, KDC’s attorney, said villagers had a right to hold the ceremony, and that the matter is being mediated by the National Assembly.

Chea Pouch, a member of parliament’s human rights commission, said KDC is currently appraising the land.