Attapeu provincial authorities have temporarily suspended the activities of a foreign company accused of encroaching on villagers’ land in the province amid a public backlash on social media.
A notice issued by the Attapeu Provincial Office has ordered two agricultural companies to cease operations on land in Sanamxay District’s Nonghin and Xaydonkhong villages, despite holding a concession license to the land.
Video of the conflict between villagers and the agricultural firms went viral on social media, with residents urging authorities to investigate the matter as soon as possible so that they could reclaim ownership of the land.
One of the videos allegedly showed villagers being physically assaulted by company personnel after refusing to leave their fields.
Mr. Phouvanh Manisot, Deputy Party Secretary of Sanamxay District, has called on the public to remain patient while authorities investigate the situation, saying he will ensure the issue is addressed transparently, as well as safeguarding the rights of villagers.
