Established in 2013, Nậm Pồ began as one of the poorest districts in the country. Despite receiving investment through various programs and policies over the years, the district still faces numerous difficulties in ensuring security and order due to its rugged terrain, scattered population, and uneven educational levels.

Along with the district’s history, the militia in Nậm Pồ was formed with local sons and daughters who understand the customs and traditions of the people. The district’s militia force accounts for 2.5% of the total population and is organized into 18 military boards, 1 district mobile militia platoon, and 1 self-defense squad.

The militia’s work involves patrolling the border and maintaining a close connection with the people’s lives. When natural disasters or enemy threats occur, they are the first to participate in rescue operations, assist in evacuating people’s properties, and mitigate the aftermath. Notably, during the COVID-19 outbreak, the militia served as a forefront force, actively participating in checkpoint duties, border control, and supporting residents in quarantine areas.

Nà Hỳ commune is a key area with numerous trails and openings across the border. It is also a region prone to illegal drug trafficking, smuggling, and unauthorized border crossings. Criminals often exploit the rugged terrain to carry out their illicit activities. Additionally, natural phenomena such as landslides and flash floods pose constant threats to the people’s lives.

Lèng Văn Bình, Head of the Nà Hỳ commune’s military board, has been with the militia for over a decade. As a native of this land, he knows every road, every house, and the challenges the locality faces. “Being a militiaman in the border area is not just about guard duty or training. We also have to conduct propaganda, mobilization, protect security and order, and, most importantly, stay close to the people and help them,” he shared.

Nà Hỳ commune includes two villages, Sam Lang and Lai Khoang, which are complex in terms of security and order. In the past, these areas were easily influenced, incited, and provoked by hostile forces opposing the Party and the State. On numerous occasions, Mr. Bình and his comrades had to visit each household, explaining and persuading the people not to believe distorted narratives or allow bad elements to take advantage. While acknowledging the difficulties in propaganda and mobilization, added Bình, “Doing mass mobilization work here is not easy, but with persistence, the people eventually understand.”

In 2024, in Nà Hỳ commune, functional forces arrested 14 cases involving 18 suspects related to drug crimes, investigated 1 case of intentional injury with 1 suspect, 1 case of child rape with 1 suspect, and 23 cases of deforestation involving 17 suspects. Additionally, there were 5 accidents resulting in 4 deaths. The effective handling and resolution of these complex cases were greatly supported by the grassroots militia. The commune’s military command board regularly coordinates with the commune and district police, as well as border guard forces, to patrol and control the area and address issues related to security, social order, political affairs, and society.

During peak periods, such as before and after the 2025 Lunar New Year, the militia work tirelessly on duty. “There were nights when we had to stay up all night to track a group of suspects believed to be crossing the border illegally. It was exhausting, but no one dared to be negligent,” shared militiaman Cà Văn Thuận from Nà Hỳ commune.

As a mass armed force that does not detach from production and work, a day in the life of Bình and his fellow militiamen is not limited to training sessions or patrols. They are also commune officials, educators, construction workers, farmers, grocery store owners, or transporters of goods.

Despite the difficulties and hardships, Bình and his comrades have never considered abandoning their duties. For them, each day wearing the dark green uniform is a day of pride, contributing to their homeland.

The militia force in Nậm Pồ gathers the devoted sons and daughters of this land. They live among the people, for the people, and they are contributing to writing the heroic history of this remote border area.