Arakan Students Union condemns junta’s occupation of Sittwe University

By Admin 27 Nov 2023

DMG Newsroom
27 November 2023, Sittwe

The Arakan Students Union has condemned junta troops’ occupation of Sittwe University in the Arakan State capital Sittwe.

The regime’s deployment of troops in non-military places, citing security reasons, is a sign of disrespect for students and an insult to the education system, said a member of the students union.

“They are in fact attempting to use civilians as human shields for their safety, using the security of the town as an excuse. It is unacceptable that they are occupying universities that have nothing to do with them. We utterly condemn it,” he said.

Around 30 junta soldiers have been stationed at the convocation hall and four-storey building on the campus of Sittwe University since November 25, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Myanmar’s military regime has tightened checks in Sittwe town, and the junta’s occupation of Sittwe University has heightened public concerns.

The university opened on November 23 for day students, but students still cannot attend because of instability and travel restrictions.

One university student said: “We are reluctant to attend. We have serious concerns because of the arbitrary arrests of students.”

The regime detained eight distance learners near Lawka Nanda Pagoda in Sittwe town on November 16. They remain in junta detention.

Junta troops are also planning to occupy No. 1 and No. 2 basic education high school, and No. 1 Police Station, sources told DMG.

“The junta’s occupation of educational facilities is a cause for concern for civilians,” said a human rights activist.

The regime has tightened security, made arbitrary arrests, and restricted people from leaving or entering towns since renewed fighting broke out in Arakan State on November 13.

The fighting is currently taking place in at least seven townships in Arakan State — Maungdaw, Buthidaung, Rathedaung, Pauktaw, Kyauktaw, Minbya and Myebon — as well as Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.