From serfdom to security

Medical assistance

As a result, Gaga's family abandoned the idea of crossing the border and started their journey home. On their way north, Gaga's oldest son had an epileptic seizure. Just when everyone said the child was going to die, a PLA doctor treated him and brought the episode to an end. That was when Gaga completely changed her opinion of the troops.

Samten recalled his brief encounter with the PLA. The serf masters had long scared people with tales that the soldiers would "burn, kill and loot" when they entered the villages.

However, when they arrived, the troops avoided the houses and, instead of plundering, they shared their food with the residents.

"I watched from afar as they marched around carrying heavy backpacks. They didn't look like the kind of bad people who ate children. Seeing them share their rice with us, I began to have the feeling that maybe these people were here to save us," Samten said.

That first encounter left a deep impression on him. Later, during a skirmish, he volunteered to help transport supplies for the PLA. In return, a soldier gave him some towels and a cup that he still has.

"I never had a full stomach when I was a serf. My oldest brother lost his life after a beating. Today, 70 years after liberation, the people's lives have seen drastic changes, and my life has become better every day," he said.

"I pray with my whole heart that this happy life will last forever."

Wang Luxi contributed to this story.