One family has guarded northern border for generations
2022-11-15
Tumen patrols the border on horseback in winter. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
In the depths of the Hulunbuir grassland in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, three generations of a family have guarded a section of border for a century connected by eight boundary monuments -- making an important contribution to the security of China's northern frontier.
Tumen, 55, is currently serving as the third border guard of his family. He said that his family's total patrol mileage had exceeded 100,000 kilometers.
A file photo shows Tumen's grandfather patrols the border on a horse. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Tumen's grandfather was one of the first local herdsmen to join the Communist Party of China. At the time, the task of patrolling the border was heavy, but the grandfather stepped up to the challenge and applied to join the guards.
In 1985, when Tumen was 18, he rode to a town 20 kilometers away to sign up for militia selection. The following year, he won first place in a militia competition by excellent shooting and was selected to join the civilian force.
During his service, he was given the third-class personal merit award. After Tumen's retirement, he took over the responsibility of guarding the border from his elderly father and officially became the third generation guard in the family.
From boundary monument No 1433 to monument No 1441, Tumen has walked the 60-km borderline countless times. For decades, he has served, rain or shine, and insisted on daily patrols, exhausting eight horses and wearing out six motorcycles.
Tumen (right) and his son check out the border from a watchtower. [Photo by Lian Zhen/For chinadaily.com.cn]
The border section he monitors has never had incident of people or animals crossing. In recognition of his record, the Inner Mongolia autonomous region and Inner Mongolia Entry-Exit Frontier Inspection Station named Tumen an Advanced Individual in Frontier Defense Work and one of the Top Ten Outstanding Border Guards.
From stone roads to asphalt roads, from hiking to horseback to driving, Tumen has seen and felt the changes in his patrol. He has seen the transition from manpower alone to modern technology.
Tumen said the country is paying more attention to its border guards these days and has distributed cotton clothes, binoculars, walkie-talkies, night vision goggles and other equipment to everyone.
As the story of the his family's three generations of border guards spreads in the grasslands, more herdsmen have been inspired to volunteer. As a result, the border guard team of the Hulunbuir border management detachment has grown from dozens of people to nearly 600 people now.
Tumen's 19-year-old son, Huri, also plans to take over the responsibilities when his father retires.
