The news of General Vo Nguyen Giap’s death has saddened all localpeople in Dien Bien province as the national genius General has hadirreplaceable position in the Vietnamese hearts.

Considering General Giap as their father, head of Muong Phang villageLo Van Uong said people in Dien Bien province had indebted to GeneralGiap for not only freeing them from French colonists but helping them inpoverty reduction process as well.

Muong Phang islocated northeast of the city of Dien Bien Phu and contains thehistorical relic site of the Dien Bien Phu Campaign Headquarter.

For people in Dien Bien, General Vo Nguyen Giap has long time beentheir “ guardian” who organised the army that ended more than 70 yearsof French colonial rule in Indochina, dealing a humiliating defeat to aFrench garrison in a 55 day siege of the mountain –ringed outpost atDien Bien Phu.

Early October 5, Muong Phang villagersgathered at the chief village’s house to commemorate their “guardian”.Holding firmly the picture of General Giap in her hand, the 100 yearold woman Lu Thi Doi recalled her working times with General Giap. Doisaid General Giap had guided her how to persuade Dien Bien’s ethinicgroups to help the Dien Bien Phu campaign.

The MuongPhang village chief said General Giap was always caring how to improveliving conditions for ethnic people in the area. General Giap and hisfamily helped villagers to build school for children. General Giap,personally, made great effort to help local people have Loong Luongirrigation reservoir.

Local people now have schools,hospitals and convenient roads thanks to President Ho Chi Minh andGeneral Vo Nguyen Giap, said the 80 year old man Mua A Sau.

“We wish General Giap could be with us at the 60 th anniversary of DienBien Phu victory in 2014. Now we understand that our wish could nevercome true.” Sau said in a deep sorrow.-VNA