Global Khumi Organization expresses opposition to AA's introduction of Rakhine language education in Paletwa Township, Chin State

The Global Khumi Organization issued a statement on September 6th, expressing its opposition and condemnation to the introduction of the basic education curriculum in the Rakhine language by the AA in Paletwa Township, Chin State, without the consent of the majority of local residents. Paletwa Township is a township located in southern Chin State, and it is a sovereign territory where Khumi people and other Chin ethnic groups have historically resided in concentration. It is known that in January 2024, Paletwa Township in Chin State was seized by ULA/AA, and administrative work is currently being carried out. As administrative work has been progressing, the Global Khumi Organization stated in its release that it has heard with regret that the basic education curriculum is now being introduced in the Rakhine language (spoken and written), and local Chin people are being forced to study it without their consent. The Global Khumi Organization stated that the introduction and teaching of the education curriculum in the Rakhine language, which is the language of a minority group within the township, without the consent of the majority of local residents, is tantamount to disrespecting the Khumi people and other Chin ethnic nationals residing in Paletwa Township, and it also causes discord among the local ethnic groups. Furthermore, the Global Khumi Organization stated that forcing actions according to their own will without the consent of the majority of local residents violates the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and therefore, the Global Khumi Organization strongly opposes and condemns the actions of ULA/AA.