Global Khumi Organization protests against the introduction of curriculum in Rakhine language in Paletwa Township

The Global Khumi Organization (GKO) issued a statement on September 6, protesting and condemning the introduction of a curriculum in the Rakhine language by the Arakan Army (ULA/AA) within Paletwa Township, Chin State. This educational curriculum has been implemented after the ULA/AA took control of Paletwa Township in January 2024 and began administrative operations. "Currently, the AA has included the Rakhine language as a curriculum in basic education schools within Paletwa Township. The will of the local residents has not been consulted. It is a forced education in the Rakhine language," a Paletwa resident told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. GKO pointed out that the implementation and teaching of the educational curriculum in the Rakhine language without the consent of the local population is disrespectful to the Khumi people and other ethnic groups residing in Paletwa Township, and that the current action could cause discord among ethnic groups in the region. "Just as one has the right to protect their own language, attempting to forcibly dominate the sovereignty and identity of other ethnic groups is an act that directly contradicts equality. Therefore, we cannot accept the forced teaching of Rakhine script in Paletwa Township," an official from GKO told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. GKO has strongly protested and condemned the actions, stating that these forced implementations, carried out according to their own will without the consent of the majority of the local population, violate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).