Koh Kong province’s Botum Sakor district was declared mine-free on April 29. CMAA
Koh Kong province’s Botum Sakor district was announced mine-free today, April 29, thanks to mine clearance efforts which were supported by the Indian government. Mine authorities, however, continued to urge residents to remain vigilant at all times.
Ly Thuch, first vice-president of the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA), explained that Cambodia and India began discussions about the project in 2021 and began implementing it the following year, with support from India’s Quick Impact Project and other government aid through the Indian Embassy in Cambodia.
He said the Indian Embassy selected Koh Kong province as a priority area to contribute to the Government’s mine clearance efforts. To date, demining efforts in a total of 2,396,138 square metres of land in the province have received support from the Indian government, with some clearance completed, and other operations ongoing.
“Botum Sakor is the first district in Koh Kong to be declared mine-free through the assistance of the Indian government. We have cleared 1,475,087 square metres of known mine-affected area, benefiting 23,560 people. Other districts, including Sre Ambel, Thma Bang and Koh Kong, will be declared mine-free this year,” Thuch added.
He expressed gratitude to all parties involved in the effort, including the demining forces of the National Peacekeeping Center (NPMEC) and other operators who contributed to liberating the contaminated land for the people.
He thanked India for its assistance in demining this district and highlighted the deep-rooted relationship between Cambodia and India, which has been forged over thousands of years through shared heritage, religion, culture, civilisation and language. He noted that this relationship remains strong, particularly over the past 73 years, since formal diplomatic ties were established in 1952.
A ceremony to celebrate the achievement, completed with the support of India, was held on April 29. CMAA
Thuch noted that the aftermath of wars in the Kingdom has left landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) scattered across the country, resulting in approximately 65,000 innocent people losing their lives, becoming disabled or being injured. From 1992 to 2024, a total of 3,297 square kilometres of suspected mined and UXO-contaminated land was cleared, with over 4.5 million mines and UXO destroyed.
He warned that Cambodia still has 1,697 square kilometres of contaminated land, including 469 square kilometres of known minefields. The government has set the goal of clearing all known mined areas by 2030 and prioritised the clearance of areas contaminated with cluster munitions and other UXO by 2035.
Thuch reminded the public that, despite the clearance of known mined areas in Botum Sakor, dangers may still arise unexpectedly due to the fact that UXOs may remain scattered throughout the district. He noted that their possible presence means people should continue to exercise caution.
Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Indian ambassador to Cambodia, described the grant aid as part of “India’s significant commitment to mine action in Cambodia”. This support aims to declare three districts —Botum Sakor, Sre Ambel and Thma Bang — and Trapeang Roung commune as mine-free.
“This is not only a significant milestone in our bilateral cooperation but also a testament to what we can achieve through shared purpose and the partnership that both countries have diligently pursued,” he noted.
According to Vanlalvawna, India has also assisted mine victims by establishing a one-month prosthetic limb programme in Banteay Meanchey province, organised under India’s Initiative for Humanity in March 2023. The programme has so far benefited 650 Cambodian citizens.
