Fighting prompts closure of dozens of schools in Mon State’s Bilin Twsp

By Admin 12 Jul 2023

DMG Newsroom
12 July 2023, Bilin, Mon State

More than 70 schools have been closed for security reasons due to fighting between the military and a coalition led by Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU), in Bilin Township, Mon State.

Over 20 schools from several villages in Bilin Township and Theinseik sub-township and 53 schools in remote areas have been closed since July 1, according to a source close to the Mon State education director’s office.

“Except educational employees from schools in downtown Bilin, teachers from several village schools dare not stay due to fighting and instability. A total of 73 schools have been closed for security reasons,” the source added.

Out of 202 basic education schools in Bilin Township, over 70 schools were closed for security reasons.

“Now that the schools are closed, it is not convenient for the children to get an education. Some schools near the town are open. We are worried that the children’s education will be delayed,” said a female primary assistant teacher from Yinohn Village.

It is not yet known when the affected schools will reopen, leaving local students without access to education for the foreseeable future.

“Schools in villages controlled by the KNU have been closed,” said a female primary assistant teacher from Pyintha Village.

About 30,000 local people have been displaced by clashes between the military and anti-regime forces led by the KNLA in Bilin Township from December 2022 through the first week of July.