The Ministry of Environment has sought to downplay threats of potential mass resignations of soldiers in Pursat province in response to an article published in yesterday’s Post.

“The article in the Post is not based on comprehensive information,” a statement released yesterday reads. “In fact, there are not 100 soldiers threatening to quit en masse as reported. The article is based on the words of only one individual who claims to represent the 100 soldiers.”

The Post reported yesterday that more than 100 soldiers in Pursat province had threatened to resign after being ordered to bulldoze their own land, which is claimed by tycoon Try Pheap’s MDS Import Export Company.

Seng Pov, a soldier who resigned earlier in the week, said the other soldiers had joined him and threatened to resign over the destruction of their homes, a claim that was backed up by a provincial coordinator for local rights group Adhoc, Phuong Sothea.

“[Pov] is among people who have been protesting to demand the land in the company’s location, and he did not cooperate with the provincial level to work out the solution,” the statement reads.

The Environment Ministry said that it was working with the relevant authorities to solve the dispute.

“The ministry would like to appeal to the people who have been affected in the area to keep order and maintain restraint so that the authorities can work out the matter to avoid any difficulties,” it said.

“Please, all of you continue with your lives and do business as normal and trust the government will settle the matter for you on time.”