Close to the people, for the people, a heartwarming Chôl Chnăm Thmây Tet celebration.

In the month of April, the Khmer New Year (Chôl Chnăm Thmây) is celebrated with great fanfare, spreading throughout the villages and hamlets of Ca Mau province. Amidst this joyful New Year celebration, the image of police officers and soldiers visiting the community, bringing gifts and heartfelt greetings, adds warmth and completes the bond of friendship between the police force and the people.

• Celebrating Chôl Chnăm Thmây New Year, preserving the ethnic cultural identity.
• The first Chol Chnam Thmay New Year after the reunification.
• Vice Chairman of the National Assembly visits and extends New Year greetings for Chol Chnam Thmay

Beyond mere ceremonial visits, the activities of the Ca Mau Provincial Police force during this year's Tet holiday were implemented comprehensively, from the provincial level to the grassroots, focusing on Theravada Buddhist temples, families in difficult circumstances, and influential figures within the Khmer community. At each location visited, the atmosphere was warm and sincere, like a familiar reunion.

The province currently has 28 Theravada Buddhist temples and over 360 influential figures among the Khmer community . On this occasion, numerous delegations from the Provincial Police visited and extended New Year greetings to more than 15 temples and over 150 exemplary individuals. These warm handshakes and wishes for a peaceful new year not only demonstrate concern but also acknowledge the silent contributions of the Khmer people in maintaining security and order and building their homeland.

Colonel Pham Minh Luy, Deputy Director of the Ca Mau Provincial Police, presents gifts at Cao Dan Pagoda. Photo by TRAN CHUYEN

In Phuoc Long commune, the story of compassion is demonstrated through very concrete actions. Police officers and soldiers of the commune not only visit temples and give gifts to respected individuals, but also directly help the villagers dismantle the old house for Mr. Lam Hong Ne, a Khmer family in difficult circumstances, one of 500 households receiving support from the Ministry of Public Security to build a house of compassion . The new house is expected to be completed next June.

Amidst the still cluttered yard, Mr. Ne couldn't hide his emotion: "My family is so happy to have a new house. From now on, we can focus on our work and provide for our children's education." This simple joy is also the motivation for those working at the grassroots level to become even more committed to their work.

The commune police, along with other forces, assisted in dismantling the dilapidated house of Mr. Lam Hong Ne's family in celebration of the Lunar New Year.

In Da Bac commune, amidst the festive atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese New Year), 80 gift packages were handed out to disadvantaged Khmer households. Although the gifts were not large, they embodied a spirit of sharing, helping the people have a more fulfilling Tet celebration.

Ms. Danh Thi Lan from Hamlet 6, emotionally said: "Everyone is happy to receive such care and visits during Tet. It's not just about the gifts, but the affection and concern that warms our hearts."

Police officers from Da Bac commune presented gifts and kindly visited local people on the occasion of the Chol Chnam Thmay Tet festival.

Beyond providing material support, the police force also pays special attention to the "bridges" within the community—those with prestige who consistently work alongside the people in mobilizing them to comply with policies and guidelines, maintain security and order, and preserve the national cultural identity.

In Vinh Trach ward, the "Friday Afternoon at the Community Center" activity is regularly maintained, and it is even more meaningful during this Tet holiday. Officers and soldiers directly visit each household, not only giving gifts but also inquiring about their businesses and lives, and listening to the concerns of the people.

The police force of Vinh Trach ward visited and presented gifts to the family of Mr. Lam Phuong, a Khmer ethnic minority member in difficult circumstances in Giap Nuoc hamlet.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Thum, Head of Vinh Trach Ward Police, shared: "Being close to the people and understanding them makes our work more effective. Trips like this help us to promptly grasp the situation and strengthen the people's trust."

Beyond just visiting and offering greetings, the police force also joined the local people in cleaning up, clearing bushes, and planting more trees, contributing to making the villages and hamlets more spacious, clean, and beautiful in the early days of the new year.

In Khanh Hung commune, besides visiting and extending New Year greetings to temples and influential people, the police force also paid attention to the forces involved in maintaining security and order at the grassroots level. These unsung heroes are the "extended arm," contributing to maintaining peace from early on and from afar.

The Khánh Hưng commune police presented gifts to the local security and order forces, who are Khmer people, on the occasion of the Chôl Chnăm Thmây New Year.

Overall, the activities during this year's Chol Chnam Thmay Tet celebration not only focused on improving people's lives but also contributed to fostering trust and strengthening the close relationship between the police force and the people.

Because beyond the gifts and well wishes, what remains is the closeness and sincerity, which form the solid foundation of national unity.

And so, in the joyful celebration of the Khmer New Year, there is not only the festive colors, but also the warmth of human kindness, of sharing, quiet yet enduring.

Brother Huu

Source: https://baocamau.vn/gan-dan-vi-dan-am-long-tet-chol-chnam-thmay-a127882.html