Local sources report that a Non-CDM physical education teacher at a high school in Thabyatpin village, Minhla Township, Bago Region, is forcing students to undergo basic military training. Teacher Aung Ko Lwin Soe, who began this practice when schools reopened in June this year, has been compelling students to perform military-style physical exercises and punishing those who fail to comply with beatings and verbal abuse.
The physical education teacher, who is reportedly related to military officers, faces no opposition from the school principal due to his military connections. Sources indicate that he frequently conducts classes while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. His training methods emphasize military-style obedience, forcing students to stand at attention even in the rain and repeatedly perform strenuous physical exercises. Students who fail to follow his commands face verbal abuse and physical punishment, being forced to repeat exercises multiple times.
Parents are deeply concerned about this abuse of their children but feel powerless to file complaints against the teacher due to his connections with the military council. Local residents point to this as another example of the military council’s attempts to control the education sector. The teacher’s actions, which include forcing students to perform military drills and harsh physical training, represent a concerning militarization of education in the area. Despite the clear violations of educational standards and student rights, the school administration remains unable or unwilling to intervene due to the teacher’s military connections and the current political situation.
