Narinjara News, June 19, 2025

Fighting has intensified in the vicinity of Kyaukphyu town in Rakhine State, which remains under the control of the military council. Despite reports of heavy and small arms fire occurring daily, almost all schools in the city continue to operate due to pressure from military authorities.

All high secondary, middle, and primary schools in Kyaukphyu have reopened, and students are encouraged to attend classes regularly. Parents have been advised to notify the school by ringing the alarm bell in case of any incidents, according to a mother of a student in Kyaukphyu who spoke to Narinjara.

"The district and township administrators pressured the education departments to keep the schools open, aiming to demonstrate that Kyaukphyu is stable. As a result, teachers have been going to school, and children are expected to attend. The teachers have informed the students that they will ring the school bell to warn them if anything happens," she said.

Residents of Kyaukphyu Township report that the military council's Danyawaddy Naval Headquarters in Thit Poke Taung, along with naval forces, has been firing artillery shells and drones into areas controlled by the AA.

Additionally, on June 15, artillery was reported to have struck the 34th Battalion, a garrison near the Kyaukphyu airport, as well as the military intelligence office (Sarapa) in Kyaukphyu.

Despite the ongoing violence, more than 10 schools in Kyaukphyu are currently open due to military pressure.

According to the Education Ministry, there are a total of 252 basic education schools in Kyaukphyu Township, including five monastic schools and one training school.

On May 28, the district administrator and the education officer held a meeting with parents and students in Kyaukphyu, during which authorities dismissed reports of school bombings in the Sagaing Region as false rumors. They emphasized the need for students to attend school regularly, as shared by a local resident who spoke to Narinjara News.

On May 12, 20 children and two teachers in Ohtwin Village, Depayin Township, Sagaing Division, were killed when a military airstrike hit their school. However, junta authorities in Kyaukphyu claimed that such incidents were part of a plot by opposition groups to spread false propaganda.

Although town officials have urged residents not to fear and to attend school regularly, students, parents, and teachers remain concerned for their safety due to nearby shelling.

In Sittwe, Kyaukphyu, and Manaung, areas currently under military control, the enrollment period for students in the 2025-2026 academic year for basic education at high, middle, and primary levels was set from May 22 to June 1, with schools opening on June 2. However, attendance has been notably low.