Coordination meeting: Meeting on reopening of Loikaw University held

The Kayah State and Loikaw area has returned to a state of peace and stability, thanks to the efforts of the government and the Tatmadaw.

As a result, local authorities are implementing necessary infrastructure reconstruction for the local ethnic people who have been continuously returning to settle back. The Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister, instructed to give priority for reopening Loikaw University as soon as possible so that local student youths could benefit educational opportunities.

This initiative is being treated as a special matter. A coordination meeting was held at the SAC office in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday to discuss the repair and restoration of buildings at Loikaw University, which were damaged due to attacks by terrorist insurgents.

At the meeting, Secretary of the State Administration Council General Aung Lin Dwe stated that the global recognition of education’s importance, citing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2601 (2021), which prohibits the use of schools for military purposes, as well as attacking schools.

This resolution stresses the protection of children, schools, and teachers from conflicts, ensuring that educational institutions remain safe for learning. He also pointed out that the impact of armed conflicts on civilian educational facilities, particularly Loikaw University, which was targeted by terrorist insurgent groups in November 2023.

The groups, KNPP/KNDF and PDF, attacked the university with heavy and small arms, causing extensive damage to its infrastructure and creating a dangerous situation for students and faculty. They also committed kidnapping and unlawful detention of 196 persons, including 132 faculty members with Rector, 64 family members and students.

Next, the Union Minister for Education Dr. Nyunt Pe provided updates on the situation at Loikaw University and the necessary restoration work. The Union Minister for Social Welfare, Relief, and Resettlement Dr. Soe Win also discussed the financial and legal measures for utilizing the National Disaster Management Fund for rebuilding efforts, while the Kayah State Chief Minister U Zaw Myo Tin discussed the ongoing security situation and the steps being taken to reopen the university.It was followed by around of discussions by departmental officials on technical, quality standards and aspects of the reconstruction work.

The Secretary of the State Administration Council reviewed the discussions and coordinated the requirements.