Standing Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Tran Van Son (Photo:internet) A conference was held in the northern mountainous province of Dien Bien on September 22 to review the implementation of the Prime Minister’s instruction No 01/2005 regarding Protestantism over the past 10 years.
Speaking at the event, Standing Deputy Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Tran Van Son directed local administrations to promptly issue operating licences for eligible groups of followers to facilitate their religious activities while maintaining close management of such activities, thus preventing the abuse of religious freedom for sabotage purposes.
He also stressed that authorities should effectively carry out socio-economic development programmes and ensure social order and national defence.
Over the past decade, the PM’s instruction has created favourable conditions for local followers of Protestantism to practise their religion in accordance with the Party and State’s policies and guidance. It also encouraged followers to join in socio-economic development process and poverty reduction efforts, thus fulfilling their obligations as citizens.
After a decade, the number of Protestants in Dien Bien has increased from 22,000 to 53,000, with 316 groups operating in 76 communes of all 10 districts, towns and cities.
On the occasion, the provincial People’s Committee presented Certificates of Merit to two groups and five individuals who have made outstanding contributions to implementing the instructions.-VNA
