A decimated cassava field in Sanamxay district, Attapeu province.

Authorities probe damage to crop fields in Attapeu

Authorities in Sanamxay district, Attapeu province, are investigating reports that a foreign-owned company cut down crops grown by villagers so they could use the land for their own purposes.
The company allegedly gave no warning of its intentions and used a tractor to mow down the crops, much of which was cassava.
A post on the disturbing incident was circulated on social media on May 13, giving rise to much criticism.
In response to the issue, the Deputy Party Secretary of Samanxay district, Mr Phouvanh Manisot, told reporters on May 15 “The district Party Committee and provincial governing body have come to learn through social media posts that a company has invaded people’s crop fields.”
“The villagers have asked local authorities to investigate the incident and explain why they received no warning that their crops were to be mown down. But the details are unclear and it cannot be assumed that any party acted improperly to cause this problem.”
The alleged encroachment took place in Nonghin and Xaydonkhong villages in a protected plateau forest area adjacent to the Xekhamphor-Pengvilai production forest.
But the problem may lie in the Xekhamphor-Pengvilai production forest area which the government has allocated for the cultivation of coffee, cassava and other crops.
Mr Phouvanh said “Regarding the problems that have arisen, the government as well as the Party Committee and district and village governing bodies are looking into the matter and are not ignoring the problem. However, the management of forest land is complicated and the relevant parties often find it difficult to carry out this work properly.”
He urged members of the public to carefully assess anything they read on social media, advising people to consider the probable cause of the problem and the truth behind any controversial posts. Sometimes, he said, people who post items on social media do not take the time to check the facts and what they write may not be correct.
This results in misunderstanding and causes people to overreact and wrongly blame the parties cited in posts.
In reality, Mr Phouvanh said, regarding state management and social management, no matter at what level, regular attention is paid and issues are not ignored.
Reported problems are dealt with quickly or slowly depending on the nature of each case. People who read the news should consider whether they intend to assist in finding a solution to the reported problem, and should contact the relevant authorities directly to get a clear answer.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 17, 2023)