Following the December 27 special meeting of the Cambodia–Thailand General Border Committee (GBC), at which the two sides agreed to a ceasefire and to allow civilians to return home, the Oddar Meanchey provincial administration introduced several measures. These include dividing affected areas into three zones to ensure displaced residents’ safety: first, red zones, where return is not yet permitted; second, yellow zones, where residents may enter and leave during the day but not at night; and third, safe zones, where displaced residents may return home as normal.
The provincial administration also requires local administrations to inspect shell-impact locations and explosive remnants of war so that the Cambodian Mine Action Centre (CMAC) can clear them. The health and education departments must inspect sites whose operations were suspended and arrange for them to reopen. Provincial police must establish a round-the-clock hotline to receive residents’ complaints and respond promptly. Provincial gendarmerie must deploy personnel to maintain security and protect the property of residents who have left their homes, and carefully establish checkpoints to prevent undesirable elements from entering local communities. All residents must cooperate with the authorities and competent officials.
By: Nget Pisant
