Mawlamyine, March (20)
The note of protest of the junta’s State Minister for Security and Border Affairs against closure of four schools in Hpa-an was illegal, said Pado Saw Soe Myint, chairman of the KNU Brigade 1 Thaton District , responded.
The KNU announced that they closed Ta Kaung Bo high school, Myaing High School (branch), Wei Pyan and Baw Tha Pyu Middle School starting February 10 because they cannot provide security to the staff and committee members.
Regarding this announcement, junta minister Col. Naung, sent a note of protest to the KNU Brigade 1 to abide by the NCA agreement, refrain from interfering in the administration of the area and control its subordinates.
Pado Saw Soe Myint, chairman of the KNU Brigade 1 Thaton District said he did not accept the letter of protest because military council is not a legitimate government.
He said, “The military council is not a legitimate government. We and the world don’t recognize them. Because of the fighting in the area, we issued an order to close the schools for the safety of civilians. I think, they responded upon it”
In KNU Brigade 1’ controlled area – Kyaikto, Belin, Thaton and Hpa-an, the fighting between the military council and the KNLA joint forces has forced the closure of nearly 300 schools and many students fled the war.
News – Than Lwin Times
