Soc Trang (VNA) – Khmer people in the southern province of Soc Trang have grieved for the passing of Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong who always paid much attention to ethnic minority groups in general and Khmer people in particular.

Tram Chai Xuol, a prestigious person in Dai Tam commune of My Xuyen district, said that local senior citizens usually come to his house to enjoy tea and have lively talks every morning.

However, their conversations have become much quieter over the last few days upon learning of Party General Secretary Trong’s passing, Xuol said, adding that Khmer people are grateful to the leader for his consistent care for economic, cultural, and social development in ethnic minority-inhabited areas, including Khmer communities.

Tran Sen, a resident in the same commune, said that to Khmer people, Trong was a good leader who cared for people's life.

Over the past few days, they have closely followed the media's coverage of his life, leadership, and example. They deeply regret that they are unable to come to directly offer incense and pay their last respects to him, he shared.

Son Sa Ranh, Secretary of the Party Committee of My Thuan commune in My Tu district, noted that upon hearing the news of the General Secretary's death, sadness has blanketed the commune, and all people have mourned his passing.

The leader directed the Party building and rectification to be carried out in a drastic, comprehensive, and concerted manner. He resolutely promoted the fight against individualism, corruption, and other negative phenomena, along with the constant practice of revolutionary ethics and the promotion of good national traditions, the official went on.

He added that under Trong's clear-sighted and smart leadership, the Party and the nation are becoming stronger, overcoming all difficulties and challenges, and gaininging great achievements in all fields.

To Khmer people in Soc Trang, they are happy to see considerable improvements in the transport infrastructure, education, and life quality, Ranh said.

Soc Trang is home to the largest community of the Khmer people in Vietnam who make up 30% of the province’s population. It also accommodates 94 Khmer Theravada Buddhist pagodas, which are also much quieter these days.

Venerable Ly Minh Duc, head of Botum Vong Sa Som Rong Pagoda in Soc Trang city, recalled that on March 9, 2015, the Party leader warmly received delegates from the Standing Board and Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha chapter in Soc Trang province.

The monk said that he always keeps in mind what Trong talked to them that time.

The leader said he hopes that Buddhists would maintain solidarity with followers of other religions and the local community to realise the province's goals. Up to now, the Executive Board of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Soc Trang has successfully followed the leaders' instructions, the venerable continued.

Venerable Ly Minh Duc said that the passing of the Part General Secretary is a huge loss for the country in general and ethnic minorities in particular. As a top leader, Trong always paid attention to creating conditions for the development of ethnic minorities nationwide, including Khmer people. Thanks to that, th💝e quality of life of Khmer people in Soc Trang has improved significantly, with people having jobs and children going to school./.