Statement on Loikaw University Attack: SAC Information Team calls for immediate release of hostages

The Information Team of the State Administration Council issued a press release, denouncing an attack carried out by KNPP and PDF terrorists on November 13th and 14th.
The terrorists targeted a non-military area, launching an attack on Loikaw University with heavy weapons. During the attack, the terrorists raided security force members on duty at the university, destroying educational facilities and holding the Rector, faculty members, staff, and students hostage.
In response, the security force members took necessary action to rescue the hostages and ensure their safety. However, the KNPP and PDF used them as human shields, complicating the rescue efforts and leading to the controlled release of only some hostages.
The Rector, faculty members, educational staff, and students suffered abductions and some faced brutal killings at the hands of the terrorists. The press release asserts that these actions constitute war crimes under Common Article 3 of the Geneva Convention and Article 52 of its Annex 1, as well as violations of international customary law.
The statement emphasizes that the terrorists deliberately targeted the university, using educational infrastructures as barriers and violating the UN Security Council Resolution 2601(2021), which condemns attacks on schools, children, and teachers, urging conflict parties to safeguard the right to education.
The statement underscores the essential role of teachers and students in nurturing the human resources necessary for building a democratic nation. Targeting these individuals not only destroys the future of the nation but also brings no benefit to anyone, branding the acts as inhumane.
As a consequence of this attack, the University of Distance Education has postponed its third batch exams scheduled for November 13. The press release concludes with a call for the immediate release of the abducted faculty members, educational staff, students, and their family members without any harm.