PDF threatens not to open schools in Dawei
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Htet Nadi/ Thant Zin( NP News )- June 8
Residents have told The Statesman journal that the majority of schools in the four townships of Dawei, Tanintharyi Region, are being threatened and pressured by the PDF not to reopen.
Since June 2, basic education schools across the country have been gradually reopening, but in some areas, schools remain closed due to threats and disruptions from the PDF and other armed groups.
A local man said that due to threats and attacks by PDF groups during the school reopening period in the Dawei, only schools in urban areas across the four townships are able to open safely.
“The main reason is that they don’t want children to attend school, so they’re issuing threats. For example, in Thayetchaung, only schools in the town area are able to open. Schools in the rural villages can’t open at all. In Shin Maukhti village, only the local school in that village could open. Beyond that village, schools in nearby towns and villages can't open anymore. In Nyaung Pin village, there was a high school; the PDF burned it down. Since it was a high school, there were a lot of buildings, but now none of them are usable,” he said.
“All four townships in Dawei are like this. Schools are only able to open in the town areas. In Launglon Township, schools can’t even open in the town anymore. That’s how bad it’s become. In the remaining three townships, only the urban areas can still operate schools.”
According to information from the State Administration Council, basic education schools across the country are currently open and operating under the guidance of the Ministry of Education. However, due to local conditions and threats from PDF groups, approximately 25% of schools have not yet been able to reopen. –