(Phnom Penh): The Embassy of India in Phnom Penh and the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authority (CMAA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of a Quick Impact Project (QIP) to support humanitarian demining in Mol Village, Rokat Commune, Phnom Kravanh District, Pursat Province.

The MoU was signed by Ly Thuch, Senior Minister and First Vice-President of CMAA, and Vanlalvawna Bawitlung, Ambassador of India to Cambodia, in the presence of senior officials from both sides.

The project, supported under India's Quick Impact Project framework, will contribute to Cambodia's national mine action efforts by clearing approximately 163,207 square metres of land contaminated by landmines and explosive remnants of war in Mol Village.

The initiative is expected to benefit approximately 1,403 people from 369 families, restoring safe access to land for agriculture, housing, and community development. The project also includes Explosive Ordnance Risk Education (EORE) to enhance awareness and promote the safety of local communities.

At the signing ceremony, Ambassador Vanlalvawna Bawitlung underlined ongoing collaborations between India and Cambodia in the field of mine clearance.

He noted that humanitarian demining is not merely about removing hidden dangers from the ground, but also about unlocking opportunities for sustainable development, improving livelihoods, and ensuring a safer and more prosperous future for local communities.

Ly Thuch expressed profound appreciation to the Government and people of India for their longstanding partnership in Cambodia's mine action sector.

He noted that the friendship between Cambodia and India, rooted in centuries of shared history and civilization, continues to flourish through practical cooperation that improves the lives of Cambodian people.

Senior Minister Ly Thuch also acknowledged India's valuable humanitarian assistance to landmine survivors through the "India for Humanity" initiative, which has enabled hundreds of Cambodian landmine survivors to regain mobility, dignity, and opportunities for productive livelihoods.

India has been a longstanding partner in Cambodia's humanitarian demining efforts. Under the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation Quick Impact Project framework, India and CMAA have successfully implemented four demining projects.

The first project helped clear four villages in Koh Kong Province, benefiting more than 7,000 residents. A second project in Kaoh Pao Village, Koh Kong Province, cleared approximately 197,810 square metres of contaminated land, benefiting over 3,300 families.

Another ongoing Quick Impact Project in Preah Anduong Village, Pursat Province, is progressing well and will clear around 200,000 square metres of land, directly benefiting approximately 1,000 people.

India has consistently supported Cambodia's mine action programme since the early 1990s through technical assistance, capacity building, provision of demining equipment, the gifting of mine detection dogs, assistance to landmine victims, and grant support for humanitarian demining projects.

During the visit of the Hon'ble Vice President of India to Cambodia in 2022, India announced a special grant to support humanitarian demining in Botum Sakor, Srae Ambel, and Thma Bang districts, as well as Trapeang Rung Commune. It is heartening to note that Botum Sakor District, Srae Ambel District, and Trapeang Rung Commune have already been declared mine-free, while Thma Bang District is expected to achieve mine-free status soon, an important milestone in the shared commitment of India and Cambodia towards a mine-free future.

Reaffirming Cambodia's national commitment, Senior Minister Ly Thuch stated that every hectare of land cleared through the partnership with India brings Cambodia closer to its goal of becoming an impact-free country, where no community lives under the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war.

The signing of the MoU reflects the deep and enduring friendship between India and Cambodia and underscores the shared commitment of both countries to promoting human security, sustainable development, and the well-being of communities affected by the legacy of landmines.
=FRESH NEWS