Education staff and students in Maungdaw anxious about their safety

By Wun Tha (Maungdaw) 18 May 2019

Wun Tha (Maungdaw)/ DMG

May 18, Maungdaw

While the hostilities in Northern Arakan State broke out between the Myanmar Army and the Arakan Army, an attack by the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army occurred in Maungdaw Region. This has made education staff concerned for the new academic year that will commence in June.

Teachers from Maungdaw, Buthidaung and Rathedaung Townships are especially concerned that they would be caught in the middle of crossfires because of transportation difficulties in the region there.

“We are very worried about the possibility of attacks when the school season begins. The problem is transportation. In the rainy season, it is difficult to cross the creek without using a boat. We do not have big motor boat. We just have a Honda motor boat. But, if a huge influx of passengers tried to get on the boat in a rush, the boat would capsize and all passengers would be in danger. Parents are concerned for their children now,” said Ma Tin Ye, middle school teacher from Si Taung village, Buthidaung Township.

Since local residents from some villages in Buthidaung Township are now taking shelter in IDP camps because of the fighting in their region and they do not return home at the moment, there would be difficulties for them during the opening season of school, teachers said.

“When schools are reopened, there might be challenges for students to pursue their education and for teachers who live in the region; the main problem is transportation. Students would be afraid of coming to school due to armed conflicts. So, I’d like to request that the fighting to cease during school season,” said Daw Wai Than Oo, middle school teacher from Zeditaung village.

In Maungdaw Township, the ARSA recently launched a landmine attack on police vehicles, this is another reason why education staff are worried about the new academic year.

“Because there was an attack by ARSA at Late Ya village, we are worried for our transportation to school and our lives. I think two police outposts should be positioned between Ta Rain and Thibawhla villages where transportation is poor to help ensure the safety of the people,” said U Ni Maung, middle school teacher from Taung Pyo Letwe village, Maungdaw Township.

If students who have to take shelter in IDP camps and cannot return home during the school season, relevant authorities will help them to pursue their education in schools closer to their homes, according to the head of Education Department in Arakan State.