Public consensus
We returned to Nam O village, Trung Chai commune (Nam Nhun district) in the last days of June. Everywhere from the beginning to the end of the village, there was a buzz of talk about the upcoming commune merger. People were discussing enthusiastically, from the fields, the streams to the corners of the stilt houses, creating a bustling, exciting atmosphere as if they were waiting for a big event of the village.
Village chief Ly A Lau, a prestigious person in the Mang community, shared emotionally: “At first, when we heard about the merger policy, everyone was worried about losing the old village name, afraid that the small Mang ethnic group would no longer be cared for as before. After the officials explained, the people understood. Now we believe that the new Pa Tan commune will help everything to be better, the electricity system, roads, and schools for our children will be better and better.”
Not only in Nam O, a series of meetings were held in all three communes to collect people's opinions according to the correct procedures. From village elders to young people, everyone had the opportunity to express their thoughts. Initially, there were concerns, fear of difficulty in traveling if the new commune headquarters was located in Trung Chai, fear of children going to school far away, more complicated administrative procedures... But with the spirit of "going to every alley, knocking on every door", local officials listened, explained, and resolved each problem. Up to now, the majority of people have agreed and highly supported the merger plan.
According to the plan, Pa Tan commune (new) will officially come into operation from July 1. The whole commune has nearly 8,800 people, residing in 26 villages with 11 ethnic groups (H'Mong, Mang, Ha Nhi, Kinh, Dao, Pa Then, Cong, Thai, Muong, Tay, Lao), of which the Mang ethnic group accounts for 9.5%. The common point of the 3 communes before the merger is that they are all located in highland, border areas, sparsely populated, and people's lives are still difficult. In particular, the Mang people are one of the 4 most disadvantaged ethnic groups in Lai Chau province. People's lives still mainly depend on slash-and-burn farming, attached to long-standing customs and practices.
Although there have been changes such as electricity grid, roads and schools coming to many Mang villages, the development process is still fragmented and lacks connectivity. The merger into Pa Tan commune (new) is expected to become a "bridge" connecting remote villages, creating a more unified and sustainable development space. In the new land, people will not only preserve the forests and mountains, cultural identity but also have more convenient access to knowledge, health care and administrative services.
Mr. Lu Van Quan, Secretary of the Party Committee of Pa Tan commune, said: "The new administrative headquarters in Trung Chai is the most suitable location geographically. Although some villages are 20km from the commune center, the commune will prioritize investment in transport infrastructure, schools, and public services so that people are not disadvantaged. At that time, the merger will not only be on paper, but will be a real change in people's lives."
Connecting difficult areas, opening up development directions
The merger is not simply an administrative adjustment, but also opens up opportunities for the Mang and other ethnic groups in the border areas to rise up in the general development flow. With the policy of streamlining the apparatus, improving management efficiency, and concentrating investment resources, the merger is a way for policies to reach every rooftop on the high mountains. When there is a strong government and centralized administration, support programs for ethnic groups with special difficulties such as the Mang will be implemented synchronously, avoiding the situation of "a hundred small pieces, each place has its own style".
Pa Tan Bridge, Pa Tan Commune (new) connects traffic between the old Pa Tan, Nam Ban and Trung Chai communes.
The head of Pa Tan 1 village, Mr. Tao Van Thoan, who is passionate about traditional ethnic culture, believes that the merger is an opportunity for ethnic cultures to blend and develop. “Although the country has changed, the people of villages such as Nam Ban, Pa Tan, Nam Xao, Nam O… still preserve the H'Mong panpipe, the Then Tinh Tau melody, and the melodious Mang flute. Now, we are embarking on a new journey: both preserving our identity and integrating with the general development,” said Mr. Thoan.
From July 1, Pa Tan commune officially came into operation with many expectations: connecting the high and dangerous mountainous area to become a more convenient and effective living space. Nam Na stream is no longer just a source of water for irrigation of the fields, but also a symbol of integration and connection between ethnic groups such as Mang, H'Mong, Lu, Thai, Kinh... together towards a sustainable development future.
When the Party's will blends with the people's will, a new commune in the far Northwest is not only born, but also carries great aspirations - so that no one is left behind on the journey of development.
Source: https://nhandan.vn/ky-vong-lon-sau-sap-nhap-o-xa-bien-gioi-pa-tan-post890439.html
Comment (0)