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By Ruhi Hamid
Video producer in Laos
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Ruhi chose Chong-Cha Lee, one of the guides as her character.
He is a soldier, a father and a husband.
He was ill during the walk into the jungle and was very quiet a lot of the time. When he did speak, he said profound and intelligent things. He was silently strong and humourous as well. He seemed committed and gentle and not at all aggressive so not the stereotypical rebel.
Chong-Cha Lee wants to be able to settle in his jungle village and to farm, fish and bring his children up in a peaceful environment and to be equal to any other Laotian. He wants his basic human rights along with the rest of the Hmong people.
On the 22 March, Chong-Cha Lee started the day by helping out with the household chores. He then held a village meeting to sort out the days patrolling duties.
He took a 13-year-old boy on patrol with him, to teach him about ambushes and the duties of a soldier.
After lunch the many Hmong people who had been injured in previous battles were shown to the camera as testament to the realness of their conflict.
Chong-Cha Lee spent the afternoon cleaning his weapon and playing his musical instrument. Their songs carry their sorrow.
One Day of War was broadcast in the UK on Thursday, 27 May, 2004 at 2100 BST on BBC Two.
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One-Minute World News
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