By Kantarawaddy Times
The military council announced on January 21 that efforts are underway to reopen Loikaw University as soon as possible, as part of reconstruction initiatives in Loikaw, the capital of Karenni State. The aim is to ensure local students do not lose access to educational opportunities.
Since the military takeover, most university students and staff in Karenni State, including those at Loikaw University and other colleges, have joined the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). The military council claims to be working on reopening universities as part of reconstruction efforts to encourage displaced residents to return home, according to its propaganda channels.
However, frequent clashes and artillery shelling in the outskirts of Loikaw continue to deter residents from returning. A local resident stated that they do not trust the claims made by the military council.
“Even as fighting continues, we hear talk of reopening universities. Regardless, as the town and surrounding areas remain unsafe, we have no plans to return home yet,” the resident said.
A meeting was held on January 21 to discuss the urgent restoration and reopening of Loikaw University to address the challenges faced by students who are struggling to attend day classes or distance-learning programs. During the meeting, the military council’s Ministry of Education provided an update on the extent of the damages to Loikaw University, shared the status of repair efforts, and presented cost estimations. However, no specific timeline for the university’s reopening has been confirmed.
Intense fighting in Loikaw throughout 2023 resulted in significant damage to the university. Resistance forces targeted military council troops stationed at Loikaw University, leading to retaliatory airstrikes and heavy artillery shelling by the junta, which caused extensive destruction to the campus.
Currently, the military council claims that stability has been restored in Loikaw, and technical colleges, computer universities, education degree colleges, and government-run vocational schools are gradually reopening for the 2024-2025 academic year.
