No students return as schools reopen under junta pressure in war-hit Kyondoe town

Mizzima

Despite orders from the junta to reopen schools in Kyondoe town, Kawkareik District of Kayin State, not a single student attended on the first day of classes, according to local sources.

Since 14 April, military outposts in Kyondoe have come under repeated attacks by joint resistance forces, including the Karen National Union (KNU), the People’s Defence Force (PDF), and allied groups. As clashes intensified, many residents fled, seeking refuge in safer areas. Nonetheless, the junta has reportedly ordered schools to resume operations, threatening arrests for non-compliance.

“The military said schools must reopen. They even threatened arrests if they didn’t. Three schools reopened in Kyondoe, but not a single student came,” said a teacher aligned with the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM).