Reporter: On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the militia and self-defense force’s traditional day, can you share some of the outstanding achievements the militia force of Điện Biên has achieved in recent years?

Senior Colonel Lê Văn Sơn: Throughout historical periods, the militia and self-defense force of Điện Biên province has always demonstrated its resilient fighting spirit and made significant contributions to the overall victories of the nation. During the resistance against French colonialism, the force participated in hundreds of large and small battles, working with main force troops to defeat thousands of enemy soldiers, achieving many great victories. Notably, during the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign, the people and military forces of all ethnic groups in the province voluntarily contributed thousands of tons of food and supplies, mobilizing both human and material resources to support the front lines, contributing to the glorious victory of “the five continents’ victory, shaking the world.” During the resistance against U.S. imperialism, the force of the province courageously fought against bandits, spies, and commando troops, participating in many battles, capturing hundreds of enemy soldiers, shooting down many enemy planes, contributing to the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country.

Building on this proud tradition, in recent years, the militia and self-defense force of Điện Biên has been developed to be “strong and widespread,” ensuring both quantity and quality. Currently, 274 militia units have been consolidated, with the force comprising 2.2% of the population; 27% of the militia personnel are Party members. Annually, 100% of militiapersons meet the training requirements, with 75% achieving excellent or good results. The force has coordinated with the police and the military to conduct thousands of patrols, detecting and handling hundreds of cases related to security and order. Since 2015, the force has participated in 342 defense area exercises, combat readiness drills, disaster response drills, and forest fire drills at the provincial, district, and commune levels, ensuring absolute safety.

Reporter: The militia and self-defense force has also made important contributions to building strong political organizations at the grassroots level. Could you elaborate on this?

Senior Colonel Lê Văn Sơn: In recent years, not only in Điện Biên but also in most other localities, especially in border regions, hostile forces have tried to exploit issues related to democracy, human rights, religion, and ethnicity to distort, incite division, and weaken national unity. By actively monitoring the situation, the militia and self-defense force has closely coordinated with relevant forces to fight and prevent the formation of any “hot spots” of security disorder.

The force has also played a key role in propagating and encouraging people to comply with the Party’s guidelines, the State’s policies and laws on national defense and security; actively participating in building strong bases, developing the economy and society, sustainably reducing poverty, and constructing new rural areas.

Điện Biên is a mountainous, border province that is frequently affected by natural disasters. In response, the militia and self-defense force of the province has always stayed close to the ground, collaborating with local military forces, border guards, local Party committees, local governments, and the people to promptly carry out rescue, disaster relief, and recovery efforts, helping to rebuild lives. A prime example is during Storms No.2 and No.3 in 2024, where the province mobilized more than 1,456 militiapersons to assist with disaster recovery, search and rescue operations, clear mud and debris to help 66 households, remove thousands of cubic meters of mud, and restore over 5km of roads, ensuring safety for the people in Mường Pồn commune, Điện Biên district.

Reporter: With the characteristics of a mountainous, border province, could you share the direction and tasks for promoting the role of the militia and self-defense force in the coming time?

Senior Colonel Lê Văn Sơn: To meet the demands of new circumstances, the Party Committee and chains-of-command of the provincial Military Command have identified the focus on advising and building a strong, comprehensive militia and self-defense force, with political quality as a priority. We aim to strengthen Party development within the force, increase the proportion of officers and Party members, and ensure compliance with military regulations for all types of personnel. At the same time, we will continue to refine the organization, ensuring an optimal number of militia personnel with increasing quality.

We will continue to enhance revolutionary vigilance, readiness to fight, and proactively counter the plots of “peaceful evolution” and subversion by hostile forces. The militia and self-defense force must closely cooperate with the military, police, and other forces to build a robust people’s national defense, strengthen the defense area, maintain political security, social order, and protect the Party, the Government, and lives and property of the people.

Additionally, we will focus on training, drills, and readiness to respond to real-world situations. The training content must be closely aligned with the demands of each area, especially the border areas, linked to disaster prevention, flood and storm recovery, combating epidemics, search and rescue, fire prevention, environmental protection, and fulfilling other civil defense tasks.

The provincial Military Command will continue to advise local Party committees and authorities to ensure that policies and allowances for members of the militia and self-defense force, especially in ethnic minority areas and remote regions, are fully implemented. Adhering to the force’s legal regulations and policies will not only enhance the material and spiritual life of militia personnel but also build trust and motivate the force to complete their assigned tasks.

Reporter: Thank you very much!