Cambodian Monks' Peace Prayer Honors Fallen Soldiers Amid Territorial Tension
Hundreds of Buddhist monks in Cambodia held a ceremony to honor soldiers killed in recent border clashes with Thai forces, praying for peace. They marched in the capital and were joined by nuns and laypeople, while the territorial dispute remains unresolved despite a ceasefire brokered with international influence.
In a poignant display of unity, hundreds of Buddhist monks gathered in Cambodia to conduct a clerical ceremony honoring soldiers fallen in the recent border skirmishes with Thailand. The ceremony, aimed at praying for peace, saw monks, nuns, and laypeople march from the capital's principal religious institution to a local temple.
Within the temple, photographs of more than 40 uniformed men served as a somber reminder of the clashes, although the extent of fatalities and captures remains partially ambiguous. The recent conflict, which lasted five days and resulted in numerous casualties and massive displacement, saw both militaries wrestle for territorial control.
Efforts to resolve the tension culminated in a ceasefire influenced by external diplomatic pressure, notably from the U.S. President. While talks continue to uphold the truce, the underlying territorial disputes linger, and both countries face allegations of ceasefire violations.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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