ABSDF: Students abandon studies

[lurie@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Media Release
Date: August 17, 1998


Students in Karen Town Abandon Study Due to Forced Labour 


Two-thirds of all high school students in Papun Township, Karen
State, have had to abandon their study this year as a result of
being regularly forced by the Burmese authorities to provide
labour for the Army.

The students are required to carry out weekly cleaning duties for
the Army and are also forced to carry military supplies to
frontline areas and help the Army in their construction work. The
forced labour sometimes lasts a day but can also last for several
weeks at a time.

Papun High School usually has some 450 students. However, this
year two-thirds of the town's high school students have had to
stop their study, leaving only about 150 students. 

Many students say they left school because they couldn't
concentrate on their studies due to the regular work they are
forced to carry out for the army. Problems of the rising cost of
education and lack of adequate education resources were also
cited.

Last year, both male and female high school students from Papun
were forced to carry arms and ammunition and other supplies when
the Burmese Army launched an offensive against the Karen National
Union's (KNU) Fifth Brigade. The students were forced to stay in
the frontline area for more than 20 days. 

Papun is a garrison town located in the east of Karen State where
the Karen National Union has fought for self-determination for
more than half a century.

All Burma Students' Democratic Front 

For more information please contact 01-253 9082, 01-654 4984.