Sapodilla Orchard Owner Agrees to Excavation for Martyr Remains

(DTO) On the afternoon of September 26, Senior Colonel Vo Thanh Dan, Commander of Team K91 under the Dong Thap Provincial Military Command, said the unit had recently searched for and recovered six sets of martyr remains in a fruit orchard in Tay Hamlet, Kim Son Commune, Dong Thap Province. 

The search area covers about 1,000 square meters of sapodilla trees, nearly 20 years old and currently bearing young fruit. Notably, some sapodilla trees stand directly above locations believed to contain martyr remains. 

The excavation is certain to affect the trees’ roots, yield, and the family’s income. However, 60-year-old orchard owner Vo Van Vinh agreed to the excavation and created favorable conditions for Team K91 to carry out the search and recovery of martyr remains. 

Nearly 30 officers and soldiers from Team K91 have been assigned to search the area. As the site is along a narrow road that is difficult for machinery to access, the soldiers have had to excavate the soil entirely by hand. 

During the search, Team K91 personnel carefully excavate and sift the soil step by step to ensure safety while minimizing damage to the trees in the orchard. 

Senior Colonel Vo Thanh Dan said that, as part of the 500-Day-and-Night Campaign, Team K91 considers public outreach and engagement with local residents an important part of its mission to search for and recover martyr remains. 

Through public outreach and contact with witnesses, more and more residents have proactively approached the unit to provide information and leads preserved for many years. 

Based on these sources, Team K91 officers and soldiers visit the locations, meet with witnesses, verify information on site and organize searches when sufficient grounds are established. 

According to Senior Colonel Vo Thanh Dan, what is most meaningful is not only the results of searching for and recovering martyr remains, but also the feelings, support and sense of responsibility shown by local residents in helping bring fallen soldiers back to their comrades and families. 

The Commander of Team K91 said that during the search and recovery of martyr remains, the attention and support of local Party committees and authorities, together with the active cooperation of residents, especially those who provide information, play an important role in helping the unit obtain more leads, identify search areas and carry out its work effectively. 

By HA NAM
Translated by ANH DUC