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SHAN STATE – A resident reported that preparations to reopen schools in Pekhon, Southern Shan State, were done on Saturday (May 20), saying that No. 1 Basic Education High School was cleaned up as the junta council is aiming to reopen schools in the town even though there are ongoing intense battles between junta council troops and the People’s Defence Forces (PDF) in Pekhon Township.
“Just this morning (May 20), junta soldiers and several other people came to the No. 1 Basic Education High School Pekhon, cleaned the building and did some repair work. They are preparing to reopen schools,” said the resident.
One resident shared that reopening schools is not suitable for the safety of the children as there are intense battles happening at the Shan-Karenni border.
“That school was not closed last year either. There were also some (students) that attended then while some didn’t,” said the resident.
A person helping the IDPs commented that even though the junta council is preparing to reopen schools, junta troops have been targeting schools and hospitals, making it impossible for most children to go attend school.
They added that nearly 2,000 children from Pekhon have lost their opportunity to receive an education as they have to flee to Hsihseng Township to escape from the intense battles.