The story of martyrs who sacrificed at the gate of heaven in Muong Long

The years were not peaceful

In July, we had the opportunity to go to Muong Long, a place known as “Sa Pa of Nghe An” because of its cool climate and beautiful scenery. Having arranged in advance, this time we had to spend time visiting and burning incense at the martyrs’ cemetery, expressing our gratitude to more than 20 cadres and workers who had fallen here. A feeling of emotion welled up, and tears suddenly welled up in the corners of our eyes when we thought of those who were resting in the mountains and forests, behind the gates of heaven in the Western region of Nghe An.

Muong Long Martyrs Cemetery (Ky Son) is the resting place of more than 20 martyrs who were attacked and killed by bandits on June 24, 1964. Photo: Cong Kien

The next day, going back to Muong Xen town, we went to Mr. Le Van Toan's house in block 2 with the hope of knowing more about the tragic event that had passed more than half a century. Fortunately, although he was 80 years old, he was still lucid. He only mentioned the place name Muong Long, his thoughtful expression seemed to touch the memory, and then the events of that year gradually appeared like a slow-motion film.

Mr. Le Van Toan (born in 1940), from My Thanh commune (Yen Thanh), was not yet 15 years old when he went up the forest to Ky Son to make a living. In 1962, Nghe An Department of Agriculture established a nursery station in Muong Long. Thanks to his familiarity with the terrain and a little knowledge of the language and customs of the highland people, Mr. Toan was recruited as a worker.

This was the time when bandits were active in the Ky Son border area, especially in the area where the Mong people lived. They colluded with Vang Pao's forces in Laos to sabotage the revolution, with the intention of establishing an autonomous state. In August of that year, a group of workers from the seed farm led by Mr. Nguyen Huu Cuong (farm manager) walked into Muong Long.

After a day, they arrived at Huoi Dun village (Huoi Tu), then Pha Xac suddenly heard gunshots coming from Muong Long. A while later, they heard that bandits had just ambushed and wounded the base cadres. Mr. Toan and 10 others were ordered to carry the wounded to Muong Xen for treatment, then continue to return to the task of building the camp.

Talking about his fallen comrades and teammates, Mr. Toan could not contain his emotions. Photo: Cong Kien

In the middle of the wild mountains and forests, the cadres and workers of Muong Xen Nursery Station lived in fear, because the bandits were constantly appearing and disappearing, and they could ambush them at any time. And that worry really appeared in the early morning of June 24, 1964, when dozens of bandits with AK guns and grenades stormed the camp.

Local leaders and tourists offer incense at Muong Long Martyrs Cemetery. Photo: Cong Kien

Mr. Toan at that time was able to hide under the forge, used his gun to return fire and killed 3 bandits. The bandit attack lasted until 7 pm, most of the workers of the nursery were sacrificed, only Mr. Toan, Mr. Cuong (farm manager) and a few people survived.

More than half a century has passed, Muong Long is no longer a deserted place, asphalt roads have reached the village, and life in all aspects has improved. Photo: Cong Kien

According to the data of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Ky Son district, the number of people killed by bandits in the raid in Muong Long that day was 27, including nursery workers, soldiers, laborers, medical staff and teachers. Those killed by bandits were buried by Mr. Toan and everyone else at a spot on the mountainside, and were later recognized as martyrs by the state.

Most of the martyrs who died in Muong Long on June 24, 1964, were from the lowlands who came to work, so when peace was restored, their families exhumed their remains and brought them back to their hometowns for burial. Currently, there are only 13 graves left in the cemetery. Some graves have their families come to take care of them every year, but there are also graves that have no relatives to visit.

Several years ago, during a heavy rain, a rock rolled down from the mountain and collapsed a section of the fence and incense burner in the cemetery. It has yet to be repaired.

“The district has submitted a report to the Provincial People's Committee requesting financial support to repair and upgrade Muong Long cemetery, worthy of the sacrifice and showing respect and gratitude to the martyrs who sacrificed for the peace and development of the homeland.”

Mr. Le Hong Lap - Head of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Ky Son district.

More than half a century has passed, Muong Long is no longer a deserted place, asphalt roads have reached the village, life in all aspects has improved with an average income of 15 million VND/person/year. Taking advantage of the climate and soil, the Mong people here have developed typical crops such as peach, plum, ginger, medicinal herbs and developed livestock farming, bringing in a stable source of income.

Mr. Le Van Toan wishes to have a memorial stele so that visitors from near and far can understand the tragic event and the sacrifice of the pioneers who came to develop the economy in the mountains and forests of Western Nghe An. Photo: Cong Kien

In particular, Muong Long is currently being planned for eco-tourism and community development, promising to have a new breakthrough in the near future.

Sharing his wish, Mr. Le Van Toan said: “I have no greater wish than for the 13 martyrs resting in Muong Long cemetery to be moved back to their hometown by their families, because they have been separated for more than 56 years. And tomorrow, in that location, there will be a small monument and stele so that visitors from near and far can clearly understand the tragic event and the sacrifice of those who went to develop the economy in the mountains and forests of Western Nghe An.”