REPORTS of a Khmer Rouge massacre in Kralanh district, Siem Riep province, have been discounted though 35 abducted villagers remain missing.

The Post reported in its last issue that provincial authorities were investigating a report that 95 villagers abducted to build rebel roads had been killed.

Nov Sam, deputy provincial governor, said later that about 60 of the 95 were alive and had escaped from their captors. Another 35 - mainly teachers and village officials - were still being held.

"I don't know whether they are alive or dead...but I have sent some KR defectors to try to help them get back." He had no evidence that they had been killed.