SITTWE- As there have been fighting between the military and Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State, some schools in Yathedaung Township sees no enrollment from students, says Kyaw Mya, a Township Education Officer.
He also said that there had been difficulties in opening some schools.
The teachers occasionally had to run when they hear gunfire and some places had schools shut down had whole villages have moved away to safer places.
“Some schools aren’t opened in Kyauktan and Yasoechaung villages in Yathedaung Township. The teachers left Kyauktan and Yasoechaung villages because they heard gunfire nearby. We urge teachers to not risk their lives. We are now discussing about the opening of some schools. Mainly, it depends on the decision of the armed group. For first priority, about 20 schools must be opened. Second priority is only 15 schools will be opened. We pity the students. If the schools aren’t open, they can’t study,” said Kyaw Myint, Education Officer in Yathedaung Township.
In Kyauktan village, there are over 200 students that have enrolled in a high school courses from June 1st to 3rd.
In Yathedaung Township, many schools are opened but some had to be shut down promptly due to flash battles.
The township education officer said that plans were underway to open all schools in Yathedaung Township. But no one can give guarantee the security of the students and teachers.
Likewise, over 1,000 villagers from 10 villages in Minbya and Ponagyun Townships have abandoned to their villages.
On June 1st, fighting took place between Kyatsintalin and Yahat villages. The government troops entered to the Hsinthi village on June 2nd and carried out a thorough search of the village.
Similarly, over 200 villagers from Minbya Township are now sheltering at the Yaydagon monastery in the downtown of Minbya Township. Those villagers fled from their villagers because they were afraid of exploding the heavy weapons.
Due to the explosion from heavy weapons, six locals were killed and eight were injured.
Nearly 40,000 locals are now fleeing from Buthidaung, Yathedaung, Ponagyun, Kyauktaw, Mruak-U and Minbya Townships in Rakhine State to safer places due to the fighting between army and AA.
