The Karenni Interim Executive Council (IEC) recently issued a ruling, convicting five lecturers, among them U Aung Khin Myint, the Rector of Loikaw University in Kayah State.

These educators were sentenced to two years in prison and fined Ks900,000 on March 6. Their apprehension occurred after they were caught up in the conflict and taken away by the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and the People’s Defence Force (PDF).

The incident unfolded when the KNPP and PDF launched attacks on the security teams responsible for safeguarding Loikaw University on November 13 and 14. During these attacks, they detained a total of 204 faculty members, including teachers, students, and family members.

In response to the abduction of faculty members and their families, the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF)'s Information Team issued a statement. According to the statement, the KNDF took action to evacuate and provide emergency assistance to those trapped within the university compound during the conflict. This humanitarian effort was carried out in accordance with human rights principles. The IEC also emphasized that the KNDF continues to work diligently to reunite families as swiftly as possible.

However, despite these efforts, five lecturers, including Rector U Aung Khin Myint, were subsequently sentenced to two years in prison under the Unlawful Association Communication Act. The grounds for their sentencing were their alleged direct association with the State Administration Council (SAC).

While 193 individuals who were arrested during the incident at Loikaw University regained their freedom on November 24 and 29, 11 people, including the rector, remain in custody, according to reliable sources.

The Karenni Interim Executive Council (IEC) was established by officials from the Karenni armed groups, namely the Karenni National Progressive Party (KNPP) and the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF).

Similarly, on February 28, 2024, the State Administration Council (SAC) made an announcement regarding the abduction of three individuals, including the pro-rector of Dawei Technological University. These abductions were carried out by the People’s Defence Forces (PDFs).

Around 7:30 am on February 26, approximately 130 PDF members infiltrated Kalay University in Kalay Township, Sagaing Region, from the southern direction. They forcibly abducted faculty members, students, and staff from the Physics and Zoology classrooms within the university premises, as reported by the SAC.

During the subsequent rescue operations conducted by security forces, clashes erupted between the security personnel and PDF members. Eventually, the PDF members retreated to the east and northeast of the university. A total of 285 faculty members, including teachers and students, were successfully rescued by the security forces. However, there are still some workers and staff (their identities are currently under verification) who remain held as hostages, according to the SAC’s report issued on February 26.

Regarding the incident at Kalay University, the PDF asserted that they attacked the security forces within the university compound. However, they also emphasized that their actions were aimed at evacuating faculty members to safer locations.