A bright spot in border security

(Baonghean)The task of maintaining security and order at the grassroots level in general, and in border areas in particular, poses many challenges for all levels of government and relevant agencies. The reality in Son Thanh (Yen Thanh district) and neighboring communes shows that when security and order in border areas are ensured, the locality has the conditions for socio-economic development, and vice versa.

At around 7 PM on October 5, 2013, residents of Son Thanh commune (Yen Thanh district) saw two young men on a motorbike dragging a dog along the village road. They immediately alerted neighbors and chased after them. With no escape route, the two dog thieves abandoned their motorbike and fled into Dong Ray mountain to hide. News of the theft spread, and despite the darkness, people from Nghi Van commune (Nghi Loc district), Dien Loi commune (Dien Chau district), Dai Son commune (Do Luong district), and Son Thanh commune flocked to the area, blocking all escape routes, determined to catch the two thieves. Faced with the outrage of nearly a thousand people, the police from Son Thanh, Nghi Van, Dien Loi, and Dai Son communes, in close cooperation with the Yen Thanh district police, explained the situation and urged the villagers not to act rashly if they apprehended the criminals. They also called on the two thieves to surrender to the police. At around 3 a.m., the two dog thieves, Vu Van Minh (residing in Trung Thanh commune) and Cao Van Huy (residing in Nam Thanh commune), were arrested by the police.

The police chiefs of Son Thanh commune (Yen Thanh district), Dien Loi commune (Dien Chau district), and Nghi Van commune (Nghi Loc district) discussed measures to maintain security and order in the border areas.

According to Mr. Truong Huu Sau, Head of the Son Thanh Commune Police, this is one of many cases in recent years where police from four communes in four districts (Yen Thanh, Nghi Loc, Dien Chau, and Do Luong) have coordinated to ensure security and order in the border area. Because Provincial Road 534 runs through the border area, criminals consider this a favorable condition for their activities. Based on this situation, Son Thanh has gradually strengthened 93 "self-governing neighborhood groups" in 19 hamlets, especially those in the border area. At the same time, they have reorganized the commune police force by selecting young, healthy, and enthusiastic individuals to participate in security training courses organized by the district and province. Simultaneously, they have focused on close coordination with the police of Nghi Van, Dien Loi, and Dai Son communes in maintaining security and order in the border area.

Criminal activity in the communes decreased by 4-6% year after year. In Son Thanh commune alone, the police investigated and handled 12 criminal cases involving 18 suspects, bringing 12 suspects before the public for reprimand; they also dealt with 42 traffic safety violations and 4 cases of illegal possession of homemade guns and firecrackers. Thanks to the ensured security and order in the area, Son Thanh achieved many results in economic and social development. The annual economic growth rate reached around 16%, with over 1,700 people working abroad sending back between 160 and 200 billion VND each year. 14 out of 19 hamlets and 90% of households achieved the title of "Cultural Village" and "Cultural Family". These results have decisively contributed to Son Thanh becoming the first commune in the province to complete the criteria for building new rural areas. According to Mr. Nguyen Tri Hoa, Secretary of the Party Committee of Son Thanh commune, ensuring security and order in the border area is crucial. It is also one of the 19 criteria for building new rural areas. Recognizing this, the Party Committee and government of Son Thanh always pay attention to security, especially in the border region.

Text and photos:Le Viet