Distance learners take exams in fear at Sittwe University

By Admin 17 Nov 2023

DMG Newsroom
17 November 2023, Sittwe

Distance learners at Sittwe University are taking their exams in fear due to tight security checks imposed by the Myanmar military regime in the Arakan State capital.

Junta troops deployed in wards and junctions as well as along the Mayu Road and downtown areas have been checking handphones and detailed the addresses of passers-by, said students.

“Soldiers are police everywhere though they don’t always make checks. We don’t feel safe when we see them. I am a student, but I am concerned that I might be unfairly detained,” said a student specialising in Burmese literature.

Sittwe residents are in a state of panic as the regime has started arresting suspects. At least four young men were arrested in Mingan Ward on Wednesday night, and their whereabouts are still unknown, said family members.

More than 10 residents were also detained in Taungup town on Monday as the renewed fighting broke out.

A distance learner studying at Taungup University said: “It is also not peaceful in Taungup. We have to exercise extra caution. We have to sit exams in fear, and we don’t feel safe.”

Distance learners from other parts of Arakan State taking exams in Sittwe are also suffering from power outages and closures of eateries and have also shut down due to concerns over possible fighting in the state capital.

A final year history major student said: “There are many students in the ward we are staying in, but only three eateries are open now. Other snack shops have also closed. So, we are going hungry.”

A total of 12,351 distance learners majoring in arts subjects were sitting exams at Sittwe University as of Monday. The exam will be completed on November 18.

Myanmar’s military regime has blockaded roads and waterways in Arakan following the fighting on Monday, making it difficult for distance learners to return to their towns after the exam.

Fighting continued between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army on Friday.