Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction Chea Sophara told residents in six villages of Banteay Srei district’s Preah Dak commune that the government has no plans to resettle those six villages, but the residents and the authorities must work together to prevent newcomers and new buildings from being constructed in those areas.

Khim Finan, the former Banteay Srei district governor who was recently promoted to Siem Reap provincial deputy governor, posted on Facebook on October 7 confirming Sophara’s and the government’s position just after Sophara met with hundreds of villagers who protested the supposed relocation plans two days earlier.

“Our people in Preah Dak have to remain calm. We will not resettle the six villages of the commune. H.E. Chea Sophara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction said this during his meeting with Preah Dak residents this morning,” he said.

According to Finan, Sophara requested that Preah Dak residents promise to stop newcomers from settling in the commune or constructing new buildings as well as informing the authorities of the identities of anyone attempting to do so. He said he hoped that people in the commune would be satisfied with this and clear of any further concerns.

Hundreds of villagers in Preah Dak commune had recently staged a protest against resettlement to other areas, causing Prime Minister Hun Sen to instruct Chea Sophara and Minister of Culture Phoeurng Sackona to go to the commune and meet with them.

Hun Sen on October 6 called on the residents to remain calm, saying that the government was only thinking of protecting Angkor-era infrastructure including the East Baray – an ancient reservoir the commune is located near – and that a decision to relocate the residents of Preah Dak commune had not been made.

Siem Reap provincial governor Tea Seiha said on October 6 that the protest could be the result of confusion. He said Preah Dak is not included in the plans for relocation and that the work being done there is a study of the East Baray, which is necessary for restoration of the area’s water infrastructure as it helps preserve the foundations of the temples in Angkor Park.

“There is no plan that requires them to relocate to the Run Ta Ek area. What is clear is that we don’t have any plans to resettle Preah Dak commune,” Seiha said.