Phnom Penh (FN), April 17 - Many Cambodian repatriated to Phnom Penh on 17 April 2019 after enjoying time with family during Khmer New Year 14-16 April. People with 50 years of ages still remember well 17 April 1975 - a historic day that Cambodian families were hurt, broken apart, and murdered.

From 1970-1975, the war killed over one million Cambodians and inflicted the most severe destruction to the country’s socio-economic infrastructure. On 17 April 1975, the regime of Khmer Republic fell. People hoped to have lived in peace to restart their livelihood. However, their hopes evaporated in the blink of an eye as they fell into a newer disaster – the Khmer Rouge genocidal regime.

The whole society turned upside down beyond anyone’s imagination. The unfortunate Cambodia had become a prison of no walls and a killing field soaked with blood and tear and national infrastructure destroyed to its roots.

Every rights and freedom of people were in complete deprivation. Three millions of Cambodians had been killed unjustly, while those remained were in shock and trauma worried that they would be next. 17 April 44 years ago was the worst time for Khmer people.

However 17 April 2019, the national highways were crowded by people traveling to Phnom Penh, preparing for business and study. Under the roof of peace, the development of infrastructure, roads, and bridges, Khmer people are able to enjoy the lively and wonderful Khmer New Year.

17 April 1975 and 17 April 2019 reflect the differences of Cambodian society and policies of Cambodian leaders. The misguided politics of the Khmer Rouge had destroyed Cambodia to zero. 44 years later on 17 April 2019, Cambodian society and people's lives have prospered from day to day under the wise leadership of the Royal Government headed by Samdech Techo Hun Sen.