Prime Minister Hun Sen yesterday expressed his condolences for the family of a 14-year-old girl shot dead by government security forces in Kratie last month, but stopped short of calling for an investigation.

Heng Chantha was killed when about 1,000 military and police personnel stormed Pro Ma village and opened fire, claiming they were cracking down on a secessionist movement, although villagers have argued it was simply a forced eviction.

The prime minister said he was very regretful for the young girl’s death, before ordering authorities to redouble their efforts to catch the five alleged masterminds of the so-called secessionist organisation Democratic Association.

“Even if you go to any other country, we will go to get an extradition to bring you back,” Hun Sen warned.

“[But] If you come out to confess, it could mean a lower [punishment].”

Ros Rin, father-in-law of the alleged leader of Democratic Association, Bun Ratha, said he regretted the accusations against his son-in-law, adding that Bun Ratha did not have the resources to create an autonomous state even if he wanted to.

“I don’t know whether my son will come to confess or not, because this time, I don’t know where he is,” Ros Rin said.

To contact the reporter on this story: May Kunmakara at [email protected]