Hundreds of students from Sittwe, Taungup universities transfer elsewhere

By Admin 24 Aug 2024

DMG Newsroom
24 August 2024, Sittwe

University students from Sittwe and Taungup universities in Arakan State have transferred to universities in Yangon and Pyay due to armed conflicts in the state.

Students from Arakan State have transferred to Dagon University in Yangon and Pyay University in Bago as military tensions are running high in Sittwe and Taungup towns.

“Most of the students who have transferred are final-year students. Around 400 students including day students and distance learners have transferred,” said an officer at Sittwe University.

A final-year student specialising in zoology said she has transferred to Dagon University because fighting could break out at anytime with Arakkha Army (AA) troops surrounding Sittwe Town and the regime fortifying Sittwe.

“Some have transferred because their entire families have moved out of Arakan State. Others are mostly final-year students. Everyone wants to live with their family and study in their hometown. But we don’t know when the fighting will happen. So, I have transferred,” she said.

There have been some clashes between the regime and the AA in Taungup Township. Students from Taungup University have also transferred to Dagon University and Pyay University due to the regime’s airstrikes and artillery attacks.

A second-year physics student from Taungup who has transferred to Pyay University said: “Most students from Taungup University transferred to Dagon University. They transferred for fear of fighting in the town.”

Junta troops are deployed at Taungup University as well as across Taungup Town, said residents.

Some students are still learning at Sittwe and Taungup universities due to financial difficulties.

A second-year chemistry student who is a native of Sittwe said: “I go to university from my home in Sittwe. It does not cost much. I have to study here because I can’t afford to go to another university.  I don’t know when the university will be closed because of the fighting.”

Meanwhile, many students in AA-controlled townships and conflict zones have suspended their studies due to displacement, financial difficulties, and the junta’s travel restrictions.