School reopenings remain uncertain near Taungtha in Mandalay due to clashes
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Htet Nadi/Pyae Phyo (NP News)- June 5
Locals say they are unsure about opening schools due to ongoing armed clashes around Taungtha township.
On May 29, PDF militants raided the Settlement and Land Records Department (SLRD) in Taungtha township. They also attacked the Mingalar Oo Gate at the entrance to Taungtha township, forcing all markets in the town to close.
“The PDF has announced that there will be a military operation for the entire June, and so, the residents of Taungtha are not leaving their homes much anymore. They are only going shopping when the rain stops and staying indoors,” said a local.
Although the relevant authorities have announced the reopening of schools starting from June 2, some schools in Taungtha township are finding it difficult to reopen due to security concerns.
“Most parents in Taungtha town began enrolling their children in school early because they feared the children might miss out if fighting broke out again. If the fighting resumes, they’re uncertain when they will be able to enroll,” said a parent from Taungtha.
Taungtha township is located between the towns of Meiktila and Myingyan, and is currently part of the area where the Myingyan District PDFs are conducting military operations.