Defending the border with the people's support.

Borders should not be guarded by steel fences or concrete markers, but first and foremost by the hearts of the people. For Hue City, which shares an 80.683km land border with the two provinces of Sekong and Salavan (Laos), and has 39 border markers and boundary posts, this requirement becomes even more urgent.

Together with the people, we will increase production and protect the border and boundary markers.

The border region is mostly rugged mountains and forests, with difficult transportation, a scattered population, and many hardships. Relying solely on specialized forces makes it very difficult to monitor all developments. Therefore, leveraging the role of the people is not just a temporary solution, but a strategic choice.

In the highland villages of A Lưới, self-governing groups responsible for border and national boundary markers are gradually forming and becoming well-established.

Under the leadership of the City Party Committee, the City People's Committee, and with the direct guidance of the Border Guard, people living along the border line voluntarily registered to participate. They joined the soldiers in patrolling, inspecting border markers, and maintaining security and order at the grassroots level.

Colonel Le Hong Tuyen, Deputy Political Commissar of the Hue City Border Guard, assessed: Self-governance models have proven remarkably effective on both land and sea routes. On the Vietnam-Laos route, self-governance groups have truly become a core force at the grassroots level. At sea, safe boat and ship groups are an "extension" of the functional forces. But most importantly, they have built a solid foundation of public support.

On patrol.

Lieutenant Colonel Ho Van Ha, Commander of the Hong Van Border Gate Border Guard Station, stated, "The local people understand every stream, every trail, every small change. When people consider border markers as the honor of their family and lineage, the border will naturally become secure." And reality has proven this. Many cases of border marker encroachment, illegal immigration, deforestation, or illegal goods transportation have been detected early by the people and reported promptly to the Border Guard forces. Early intervention has helped prevent complications and avoid the formation of "hot spots."

When asked, Mr. Ho Vien Can, head of the border self-management team in A Ba Nham village, A Luoi 2 commune, shared: "As long as the border markers remain, the village remains." This understanding makes maintaining the border markers a natural responsibility. Even when going into the forest or working in the fields, the villagers pay attention to any unusual signs. The border, therefore, is not unfamiliar; it is present in every step. The greatest effectiveness of the self-management teams lies not only in the number of cases handled, but in the shift in awareness. Border laws are better understood. Compliance with the Vietnam-Laos border agreement and regulations is becoming increasingly serious. Violations due to a lack of understanding are gradually being reduced.

Many cases of border marker encroachment are detected early by local residents, who then report them to the border guards.

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thuong, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of A Luoi 2 commune, affirmed: This model plays an important role in maintaining political security and social order; and at the same time, strengthens the great unity in the border region. Not only in the Truong Son mountain range, the spirit of "all citizens participating in protecting sovereignty" is also spreading strongly along the 128km coastline of Hue.

In 18 coastal communes and wards, thousands of fishermen not only earn a living but also become an important force in maintaining security and protecting sovereignty . Over the past 10 years, the model of safe fishing boat groups has been built and developed widely. These groups operate on the principles of voluntarism, solidarity, and mutual assistance. When a boat encounters a problem, members are ready to help. When they detect signs of violations, they promptly report it to the authorities.

Lieutenant Colonel Luu Xuan Nghiem, Political Officer of the Thuan An Port Border Guard Station, said that the boat groups have become a solid support for fishermen. Through the communication system provided by the Border Guard, fishermen are updated on weather, laws, disaster prevention skills, and search and rescue techniques. Thanks to this, fishermen feel secure in their work at sea, comply with regulations, and do not violate foreign waters, contributing to the nationwide effort to remove the IUU "yellow card." Fisherman Tran Van Cuong from Thuan An ward shared: "Participating in the boat groups makes each trip to sea more reassuring. The boats maintain regular contact; in case of an incident, they provide immediate assistance."

Looking back over the past ten years, from the "living landmarks" in the vast forests to the "fortresses" in the middle of the ocean, one thing has been affirmed: they are the solid foundation for building a comprehensive border defense system involving the entire population. A "shield" that begins with faith, responsibility, and love for the country.

HO VIET-VO TIEN

Source: https://nhandan.vn/giu-bien-cuong-bang-long-dan-post945991.html