Citing safety concerns, AA won’t yet open schools in its territory

By Admin 08 Jun 2024

DMG Newsroom
8 June 2024, Sittwe

The Arakkha Army (AA) cannot open schools in townships it controls in Arakan State due to security reasons, United League of Arakan/Arakkha Army (ULA/AA) spokesman U Khaing Thukha told a press conference on Saturday.

“Considering the situation on the ground, it is not safe [to open schools]. At this time, life is more important than education,” U Khaing Thukha said in response to a DMG question.

Myanmar’s military regime has no consideration for children’s education, said the AA spokesman.

“Civilian casualties are increasing as the regime is increasingly conducting bombing raids and drone attacks across the country,” said U Khaing Thukha.

The AA has seized Arakan State’s Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Minbya, Myebon, Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, Rathedaung, Buthidaung, and Ramree townships, and Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.

The regime has been targeting several of those townships with daily bombing raids, inflicting mounting civilian casualties.

“It is not safe. We are concerned for the safety of the people, so it is not our priority to open schools. Even if we are to open schools, it will take time to acquire enough teachers and implement certain education policies of the ULA,” said U Khaing Thukha.

The regime opened public schools in Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, Ann, Maungdaw, Taungup, Gwa and Manaung townships on June 3. Those townships are still under the control of the regime, but the atmosphere at schools has been tense in most townships, and parents are concerned about the safety of their children.

“We don’t know when the fighting will break out. We have to enrol our children because we are told that it is mandatory. And children are scared,” said a mother from Sittwe Town.

There are about 3,200 public schools across Arakan State.