LA RÉPUBLIQUE KHMÈRE by Mr. Ros Chantrabot.
I feel hurt after reading this book.
The book describes how khmer leaders in that time do everything to grabe power.
In the period of 5 years (1970-1975) they changed the Cabinet many times.
Those politicians never paid attention to the fate of the country. What they care was how to gain more profit.
Corruptions are everywhere. Teachers and sutdents were used by politicians to fullfill their ambition by doing demonstrations again and again.
Except a small amont of politicains and their friends, all khmer people suffered a great unjustic, crimes, and poverty. That made them (the people) hope that Khmer Rouge will liberate them from all of this and that Cambodia will be in peace again.
Because of the war people started fleeing from the rural area into Phnom Penh , the capital city.
The population of this city was 650.000 in 1970 had grown to 3.000.000 in 1975.
From time to time all transportation means had been cutted. Everything became more expensive then the day before.
Even though the salary for public servants has been risen to 300% but people still found it hard to survive.
From August, 1972 to April, 1974 the price for necessary goods are 400% up.
For ordinary families they had only rice with fried vegetable with no meat.
Starting from the end of 1974, everyday rockets had been droped at various targets in the city. Everyday people wounded and die.
Finally, April, 17th 1975 arrived.
People were happy because they thought that their suffering was over. They could live in peace and prosperity again but that was just a beginning to a greater suffering ...
I wonder for one thing. It is How accurate this book is?
Finally I would like to thank my friend for lending this book to me.
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