Trial DNA sampling programme for unidentified martyrs' graves at Khánh Hòa Provincial Khánh Vĩnh Martyrs' Cemetery. — VNA/VNS photo

KHÁNH HÒA — The south central Khánh Hòa Province has announced the early results, challenges, and next steps in its campaign to collect biological samples from unidentified martyrs' remains for DNA analysis as part of a 500-day nationwide programme.

Nguyễn Long Biên, deputy chairman of its People's Committee, said the province has eight martyrs' cemeteries with more than 7,000 graves, of which 2,234 remain unidentified.

The task of searching for, recovering, and identifying the remains of fallen soldiers is an important mission to honour those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Khánh Hòa Province has identified finding the remains of around 150 martyrs, verifying 168 areas and 946 pieces of information on martyrs' graves and collecting DNA samples from 2,234 remains as key tasks.

Provincial authorities conducted a trial DNA sampling programme at Khánh Vĩnh Martyrs' Cemetery, excavating 39 unidentified graves, but only six were suitable for testing.

Three of the graves were empty while the others did not lend themselves to sampling.

The programme also revealed challenges like lack of information and witnesses, limited funding and issues related to technology.

Changes in terrain due to extreme weather and urbanisation have also affected the search.

The Khánh Hòa Provincial Steering Committee for the Search, Recovery and Identification of Fallen Soldiers' Remains (Steering Committee 515) has called on local authorities to raise awareness among the public and encourage them to provide information on fallen soldiers and their graves.

Local authorities will work to resolve issues related to funding, digital software and operations to ensure the campaign is implemented efficiently.

The nationwide 500-Day Campaign to Accelerate the Search, Recovery and Identification of Martyrs' Remains was launched by the National Steering Committee for the Search, Recovery and Identification of Martyrs' Remains on April 2 at the Special National Relic Site of the Quảng Trị Ancient Citadel. Its goal is to restore names to the fallen soldiers who sacrificed themselves for the nation and reunite them with their families and hometowns. — VNS