DC-Cam organized a public forum in Dak Dam commune, O Reang district, Mondul Kiri province on October 25, 2011. The forum, held at a primary school, was attended by 50 villagers, students, and teachers. Most of them are ethnic Pnorng, a hill tribe group located mostly in northeastern Cambodia.

Although the students know little about the Khmer Rouge regime, they were engaged in the forum’s activities. Several of the villagers opened up about their experiences under the regime. However, language was a slight barrier since the speakers were more comfortable speaking in their native Pnorng language. One of the facilitators, a woman who attended DC-Cam’s minority conference and book launch in July 2011, translated some parts of the discussion for DC-Cam staff. She also encouraged all the parents to share their experiences with their children and future generations in order to raise awareness and help prevent genocide. The commune chief and a primary school teacher also served as facilitators.

The KR took control of Mondul Kiri province in 1970. Mondul Kiri province was called Region 105 and O-reang district was labeled R-2 district. According to DC-Cam interview archives, Laing (alias Horm) was the secretary of the region until Kham Phoun, Chief of commerce (K-16), assassinated him in Phnom Penh in 1977 and then Phoun committed suicide. Later, a man named Sarun became the new secretary. According to Nharan Bora, people living in O-reang and other districts were evacuated to Koh Nhek district in 1973 where they were forced to work and abandon their traditions. Some who could not bear the persecution fled to Vietnam. In 1977, when fighting with Vietnam intensified, most of these evacuees were accused of trying to cross the border or having links with the Vietnamese and subsequently killed. After the fall of the regime, survivors returned to their home villages to start a new life. Their traditional belongings, such as wine barrels and ornamental wares, continue to be used in present-day.

During the period from October to December, Mondul Kiri’s landscapes are beautiful and verdant. The road is smooth and winds up and down. The weather is cold at night and in the morning. (by Farina So)