Heng Ratana, director general of the Cambodian Mine Action Centre, recently dropped the news that traces of chemical substances have been detected in several former battlefields. The contamination reaches beyond villages and active farmland, affecting even the areas surrounding Preah Vihear Temple. Left behind in the soil, these chemical residues act like invisible landmines waiting to harm ordinary people going about their daily lives.
Local media report that nearly 400 civilians have already suffered injuries and chronic health issues from these toxins. Villagers, already struggling to make ends meet, now live in fear of these unseen hazards, shaking their heads in frustration whenever the topic comes up.
In response, demining authorities have officially filed a complaint with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Communities are now hoping that international pressure will step in to clear out these dangerous remnants once and for all, so people can stop living in fear.
