Cambodia Killing Fields

The killing fields of Kashmir

With the dismantling of Khmer Rouge of Cambodia, who killed thousands of innocent civilians to pave the way for their bloody revolution and buried them in shallow graves of the countryside, one thought that the term “killing fields” had faded into history. Yet, this feared and despicable phenomenon has come alive with a vengeance with the publishing of a report by the Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission (J&KSHRC), which asserts that the Indian security forces, as a routine practice, have been killing innocent local civilians, labelling them as “crossborder terrorists”, and dumping their disfigured and mutilated bodies in the swampy mass graves strung all along the Line of Control (LoC). The reports that there were mass graves containing bodies of innocent local residents, who had been shot and killed by the Indian security forces in fake encounters to win cash awards, gallantry citations and promotions had been doing the rounds in IHK’s civil society, even as the State Government remained in an entrenched state of denial. In fact, the J&KSHRC Commission, which has formally and officially identified the mass graves in Kashmir, was a sequel to a campaign launched by the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) that, in March 2008, had released a chilling report, Facts underground, revealing the documented presence of mass graves in the bordering areas along the LoC. The report identified 1,000 unmarked graves in 55 villages across the northern regions of Baramulla, Bandipore and Handwara, following which the researchers and other social activists identified thousands of single and mass graves without markers. In December 2009, the International People’s Tribunal on Human Rights released another report, which confirmed the presence of mass graves entombing bodies of those killed in “encounters, fake encounters, and extrajudicial, summary and arbitrary executions.

Angkor Wat 'Pride of Cambodia' | Suite101.com

The Angkor Region renowned for the many temples and shrines lies only a 15 minute bike or car ride from Siem Reap the closest town. The region has become a good news story in that it's now a major tourist destination I chose a car for my first trip into the historic time warp, however I soon opted for the far more invigorating experience of viewing the myriad of temples from a chauffeur driven motorbike.

Cambodia

Once known as the land of the killing fields. The Cambodian people have worked hard to set the country free from the shackles of a dictators past and the conflict that was the Vietnam War. Modern day Cambodia is trying as much as it is possibly to showcase the rich history that the country has to offer. While the people are friendly the scars of the Vietnam conflict is obvious. Men women and children are still being maimed by land mines that continue to litter the fields around the countryside. Many of the people who have felt first hand the effects of land mines frequent the Angkor region selling all manner of souvenirs to visiting tourists. Indeed with nothing in the way of social security it is the only way that some people can live. The catagorisation of the Angkor Region and the listing of Angkor Wat as a world heritage area is of paramount significance to the wellbeing and living standards of a country plagued by war and the effects of war.

Angkor Wat

The Khumer Empire thrived from the 9th century to the 15th century and the Angkor Region of the Khumer Empire is where the now world famous Angkor Wat was built. Remarkably the 12th century monument has managed to survive wars, banditry and land mines to become the 'Pride of Cambodia' and of her people. Tourists throng to see and feel the ancient tranquility that pervades the areas around the many temples that exist in the region. A tranquility magnified by the presence of orange robed monks that give the region its feeling of peace.

Make a Plan

When making arrangements to visit the area is pays to do a little forward planning. Ensure that you obtain the services of a reputable driver who will pick you up from your accommodation and deliver you back each day. Staying with the one driver allows travelers to get to know their guides, it can help. While the journey from Siem Reap is not a long one it pays to make a very early start to the day, there is so much to see.

visited the killing fields in #cambodia today. more horrible than I could ever of imagined.

"The Killing Fields" Shaneandsarah's photos around Phnom Penh, Cambodia (travel pics)

The killing fields of Kashmir The Nation, Pakistan With the dismantling of Khmer Rouge of Cambodia, who… mbodia

THE KILLING FIELDS OF CAMBODIA-- remember them? the kmer rouge? WANTED PARADISE--HOW MANY DID THEY KILL?

@ The only memory I have of Cambodia is that movie The Killing Fields. That was etched on my mind.

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