Military Council-run schools will not be permitted in regions under the control of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the People's Defense Force (PDF) within Shwegu Township Bhamo District, Kachin State, PDF members have told KNG.
A Shwegu People's Defense Force (PDF) official affirmed, ” Military Council schools would not
be permitted to open in over 20 villages. These villages are located in the southeastern area of Shwegu, which falls under the jurisdiction of the 12th KIA battalion, as well as in the western region controlled by the 5th battalion.”
He further explained,” We have schools established by the NUG, whereas the Military Council schools are situated in areas beyond our influence, primarily in the towns. Even individuals from villages who are not part of the CDM, are compelled to attend schools located in town,” he said.
During the 2022-3 academic year, the National Unity Government (NUG) established over 30 schools in Shwegu Township, attracting an enrollment of more than 7,000 students.
On June 12, the Shwegu Defense Force released a statement explicitly forbidding the establishment of schools affiliated with the Military Council.
In the villages located in the southeastern region of Shwegu Township, where the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People's Defense Force (PDF) hold control, the National Unity Government (NUG) has established over 10 schools for the current academic year. It has been stated that students who choose to attend Military Council schools in the town, rather than these NUG schools, will not receive recognition or accreditation.
"We do not recognize the graduates of Military Council schools. Our message to them is clear: Go to the town and stay away from our village. Do not come to the area under our rule," said a Shwegu PDF official.
NUG schools have been launched in Sithar, Sithaung, and Manwin villages in the southeast of Shwegu Township, and more schools are planned to be opened in additional locations.
"We do not send our children to the Military Council school," stated a parent of a student attending a school established under the NUG. "As parents, we are unwilling to enroll our children in a school associated with a dictatorial regime. We exclusively choose the NUG school for their education. we cannot permit our children to attend schools aligned with the military dictatorship. Furthermore, they are responsible for torching villages. We do not send our children to the schools they have opened."
In the southeastern area of Shwegu, which falls within the territory of the 12th Kachin Independence Army (KIA) battalion, there are more than 20 villages that are predominantly controlled by the KIA and People's Defense Force (PDF). These villages include Sithar, Sithaung, Namlang, Naungletgyi, Simulay, Simugyi, Manwin, Winwa, Hngettadar, Mannar, and Mankhar. Furthermore, in the northwest of Shwegu, there is the 5th KIA battalion area.
In the southeastern part of Shwegu, specifically in Sithar, Sithaung, Manwin, and Namlang villages where the influence of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and People's Defense Force (PDF) is strong, Military Council troops initiated a military operation on March 20. Tragically, as a result, 12 villages were set on fire. Currently these affected villages are undergoing rehabilitation efforts.
