K HMER Rouge guerrillas were in control of a portion of Route 6 connecting Phnom Penh to the northwestern provinces, as the Post went to press.

Siem Reap Vice-Governor Hem Bun Heng, in an interview with the Post on Aug 8, said: "On July 30 a band of about 100 KR guerrillas took control of a 30 meter segment of the road at Lveng Rousey Commune, [Chikreng district, 48 km southeast of Siem Reap town].

"I sent 120 provincial troops to clear the road on Aug 4. The KR withdrew and did not counter attack. But each day since they have returned at about 5 pm cutting the road link.

"My troops can only be positioned to take control of Route 6 during the day. They do not have enough weapons, ammunition and food for a military operation. I and my troops are waiting for arms and food supplies...I really need this assistance to save security in my province."

"Since July 31 I have been requesting central authorities to supply my troops with food and arms...but I have received no answer from the authorities yet," Heng stressed.

He explained that if he received enough arms and food supplies he would deploy his troops along the road and keep security peaceful for villagers and travelers who always use the road.

Heng said: "On Aug 6 the Governor of Srei Snam District Hem Keng and his bodyguard were killed while traveling by motorcycle on Route 6 to Siem Riep in a KR ambush at Sen Tock commune, [Kralanh district, 68 km northwest of Siem Reap town]. The KR soldiers stole the motorcycle.

"My staff discovered the bodies on the road, and I sent my soldiers to collect the corpses to bring to Siem Reap town for the funeral today [Aug 8]."