However, through education and persuasion, they have returned to build peaceful villages.

Exploiting the gullibility and trust of villagers, bad actors leveraged ethnic and religious issues against the State, inciting the revival of "Dega Protestant" and organizing group meetings with distorted arguments.

Freedom of religion is a legitimate right and interest of citizens, but "Dega Protestant" is not a religion. It represents subversive activities against the government and State, dividing national unity.

According to statistics, in 2023, Phu Thien commune had 69 households comprising 308 individuals identified as participating in activities related to bad elements exploiting ethnic and religious issues to oppose the State.

In Plei Rbai Village, Phu Thien Commune, Siu Phoar once fell for the enticements of bad actors. He neglected his farm work and became involved in “Dega Protestant” activities, including practicing at home. He was also identified as one of the leading and core members of the group in Plei Rbai.

After several meetings with police officers, who explained the nature of the activities to him, Siu Phoar came to recognize their wrongdoing. He decided to leave, return to his family, focus on productive work and contribute to building a peaceful village.

Siu A in Plei Kual Village was also once lured by bad actors. He believed their claims that people could have food, clothing and a comfortable life without having to work hard. He subsequently left the religion he had been practicing to join “Dega Protestant” activities.

Through persistent efforts by authorities to educate and persuade him, Siu A gradually recognized the irrational nature of the claims made by the bad actors. He abandoned “Dega Protestant” and encouraged others who had gone astray to return to practicing their recognized religion in accordance with the law.

Returning to build a peaceful life

In response to attempts by bad actors to exploit the gullibility and limited awareness of some ethnic minority people to organize “Dega Protestant” gatherings aimed at opposing the authorities, the “Return to faith, preserve peace in the village” model was piloted in Phu Thien District (now Phu Thien Commune) in 2023.

The model introduced new approaches to public outreach and mobilization, including targeted engagement with individuals, community meetings, rebutting distorted narratives, and explaining the schemes, methods and tactics of hostile and reactionary forces. Social media platforms have also been used for public communication.

Particular emphasis has been placed on the role of religious dignitaries and respected community members in educating, persuading and supporting people who had previously become involved in “Dega Protestant” activities to return to legitimate religious practices. The aim is to help them feel secure in working and earning a living, stabilize their lives and reintegrate into the community.

According to Senior Lieutenant Colonel Ma Ngoc Lam, head of the Phu Thien Commune Police, police security forces regularly maintain a presence in the area, monitor the situation and coordinate with village elders and village heads to meet with residents and urge them not to listen to or believe the claims made by reactionary elements.

People who once went astray and were subsequently persuaded to abandon such activities have actively shared their experiences, helping others recognize the deceptive nature of these individuals' tactics.

Siu Thuir, secretary of the Plei Rbai Village Party cell, said: “We have stepped up outreach and public mobilization at community meetings and visited people's homes to meet with them, helping those who went astray return and reintegrate into the community. At the same time, we provide information and warnings so residents can identify individuals attempting to lure or incite them and avoid being persuaded to join.”

Since the model was launched, local authorities, village heads, village elders and respected community members in Phu Thien Commune have persuaded 40 households, comprising 218 people, to voluntarily return to lawful religious practices.

Some of those who were once lured into such activities have now become active members of their communities, encouraging residents to work diligently, comply with the law, maintain solidarity and build stable lives.

Siu A of Plei Kual Village now serves as a religious leader at a Protestant meeting point attended by nearly 300 followers. Alongside preaching love for God and compassion for others, he encourages residents to work hard and avoid breaking the law.

“I hope people will not listen to bad actors or join religious organizations or activities that are not recognized by the State. It is all deception and brings no benefit, only hardship for themselves and their families,” Siu A said.

Ngoc Thu