Lao Cai is implementing a plan to take samples of martyrs' remains to serve DNA testing, identifying martyrs with missing information at cemeteries in the province, according to the Lao Cai e-Portal.
According to the plan, from now until July 27, 2027, the province will complete taking samples for 1,241 martyrs' graves that have not been identified at 16 martyrs' cemeteries and martyrs' remains being searched for and repatriated.
In the period from July 2027 to July 2030, the province will continue to take samples for 355 martyrs' graves with partial information at 11 martyrs' cemeteries, after determining identities by verification method.
In parallel with sampling, the province will digitize and fully update relevant data into the software to manage martyr remains sampling information, ensuring connection and sharing with the national database of people with meritorious services.
The organization of DNA sampling aims to create a platform for deploying DNA testing to identify martyrs' remains in the following years, meeting the aspirations of martyrs' relatives, contributing to the implementation of the policy of gratitude to people with meritorious services to the revolution and promoting the tradition of "Drinking water, remembering the source", "Gratitude".
The plan requires the sampling process to be carried out in accordance with procedures and techniques, ensuring accuracy and avoiding errors and confusions. At the same time, the province strengthens the application of science and technology, digital transformation in the management, storage, preservation and examination of martyrs' remains samples.
To deploy the task, the Provincial Steering Committee assigned the Provincial Military Command to preside over and coordinate with the Department of Home Affairs, Department of Health, and Provincial Police to establish an inter-sectoral working group of 10 members and 4 sampling teams with 12 professional officers directly performing tasks at 22 martyrs' cemeteries.
The plan also emphasizes the requirement to ensure security and safety throughout the process of sampling, preservation, transportation and DNA testing; and at the same time promote propaganda about "Operation 500 days and nights to promote the search, repatriation and identification of martyrs' remains", towards the 80th anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27, 1947 - July 27, 2027).
Currently, the whole province has 17 communes and wards managing martyrs' cemeteries under the plan implementation, including localities such as Mau A, Tran Yen, Van Chan, Si Ma Cai, Bao Yen, Luc Yen and Pha Long.
