More than 40 police officers surrounded the Sam Rainsy Party headquarters in Battambang town Tuesday morning in an attempt to stop some 200 SRP youth members from conducting a litter collection campaign.
Battambang District Governor Uy Ry said by telephone that he deployed the large force of officers as the litter collection was “inappropriate” and the town did not need young people taking part in such an event.
“[Battambang municipality] cleans litter every day. If they intended to collect litter they should not wear T-shirts and hats with the SRP logo,” Uy Ry said.
“It is not important work. It would cause disorder and social chaos,” he added.
Uy Ry also issued a directive on Monday stating that the SRP Youth Movement’s anti-litter campaign in the town’s market area was not necessary.
“Their real purpose is for the election campaign,” Uy Ry added by telephone.
SRP deputy councilor for Battambang Sor Chandeth said he ignored the police officers and led the 200 youths on a four-hour town cleanup during which half a ton of rubbish was collected.
“We explained to police that we weren’t holding a demonstration. They wanted to disburse us but I led the group past the police,” Sor Chandeth said.
The police followed the litter collectors in two trucks, he added.
Eng Chhay Eang, SRP secretary-general and lawmaker for Battambang, said local authorities didn’t understand the concept of civic duty.
“The police don’t understand the value of social work,” he said.
Uy Ry also said Tuesday that the young trash collectors had broken the law.
“Police told them not to do it but they did not listen and they continued [to collect litter],” he said.
“They didn’t comply with the law,” he added.
