Officers take high road to guard nation's border

Family dues

After working at the inspection station and staying in the officers' quarters for more than 80 days, Liu returned home on April 12. His 3-year-old son was shocked when he opened the door, and Liu said he cried when the boy rushed up and hugged him.

He feels he owes his family a lot because he wasn't around when they needed him most.

"In January, my wife sent me a long text message saying she had symptoms similar to those of COVID-19 and asking me to take good care of our son if she became infected," he recalled. "That made me extremely anxious. I called to calm her down and said I would head back home, but she stopped me, saying I could be in danger if I returned. She insisted I stay safe. Luckily, she just had a very heavy cold."

Liu cherishes every hour with his family, despite having to answer endless work calls even when he is off duty. His wife used to complain when he answered many calls during holiday periods, but she gradually got used to it. Now, when he returns home every weekend, Liu watches cartoons with his son to make up for the time they missed together.

Burden

Sonam Daje married in 2013. He has two children, who live with his parents-in-law in Lhasa. He often smiles when talking about his children and has many pictures of them stored in his phone. His wife, Sonam Dekyi, works at a post office in Lhokha's downtown, more than 300 kilometers from Pumaqangtang, and can only return to Lhasa at weekends.

The police officer is saddened that he, his wife and children live in different places and can only be together at weekends and during holidays.

"After we married, my wife and her parents shouldered a huge burden. I even didn't visit in February when she gave birth to our second child. I owe them so much. Of course, I want to enjoy life with my family, but if everyone stays at home, who will guard the border? All I can do is love them with all my heart," he said.