Basic education schools in Kachin Independence Army (KIA)-controlled villages in the Indawgyi area of Mohnyin Township, located on the border of Kachin State and Sagaing Region, are set to reopen, local village elders said.
Basic education schools in villages along the Sagaing-Kachin border had opened during the previous academic year but were temporarily closed due to fighting.
They have now reopened this year with permission from the KIA.
A source close to the education sector said, “Those from Mong Poke and Ton Pin villages come to Mohnyin for school. Village elders requested the education officer to send teachers to their villages and offered to take responsibility for their safety. However, the education officer declined, citing security concerns. It seems the KIA has now given the green light.”
The KIA and People’s Defense Force (PDF), who control eighty percent of the Indawgyi, have banned the reopening of junta-run schools.
During a meeting, they affirmed that they would continue to take responsibility for education in the area.
However, according to Indawgyi residents, teachers have been recalled following a notification that schools can now reopen with education staff appointed by the military council.
Schools remain closed in Nannit, Pet Kalar, and Par Hoke Gyi villages in Homalin Township, Sagaing Region.
The Indawgyi region has 59 schools—including basic education high schools, nine middle schools, primary schools, and pre-primary schools—with nearly 10,000 students attending annually.
Sent by Shanni Voice
