More than 400 education staff joined the CDM in Shwegu Township of Bhamo District in Kachin State since the military coup.

However, the numbers are declining owing to threats and pressure by Township Education Officer U Aung Swe, who is trying to force them to return to work.

A CDM teacher reported that “He is putting pressure on staff by going door to door. We can all be sacked that is one thing.But we are afraid of being sent to jail after the issuance of an arrest warrant. He forces staff to sign a pledge of not joining the CDM. He told the teachers that he would urge police and soldiers to issue arrest warrants if the pledge is not signed. He has submitted a report to the military council that half of the education staff did not join the CDM.”

Since the Township Education Officer U Aung Swe threatened to issue an arrest warrant for the CDM staff, the majority of CDM staff now plan to return to their work.

Students and their parents have objected to the education system run by coup leaders.