Gathering yesterday in front of Phnom Penh City Hall to demand a speedy resolution to longstanding land disputes, 10 Boeung Kak villagers were forcibly dispersed by security personnel citing traffic concerns.

Van Ny, 58, who attended the peaceful gathering said her family settled for less than half the land previously owned. But she claims authorities have yet to allocate any new property.

“We are deeply concerned . . . we decided to gather and ask for information and a solution so we can rebuild our home,” Ny said.

Villager Ly Nary, 39, insisted the villagers had no intention of protesting but simply wanted to negotiate.

In response, she alleged, authorities ignored the villagers’ pleas and forcibly dispersed them.

Authorities also tore up a letter from National Assembly President Heng Samrin the activists had purportedly received some three years ago calling for a timely resolution of the dispute.

City Hall Spokesman Long Dimanche, countered that the demonstrators “wanted to create anarchy and block the City Hall access gate”.