Parliament urged to speedily approve national education bill

Three representatives of the protesting students attended the 3-day meeting organised by the UNA and its allied organisations. 

“We have invited the students to present their activities on the national education bill. The students told us their personal experiences. We were in support of their movements. We decided to give Ks 3 million to help the students,” Aye Thar Aung, one of the leaders of the UNA, said on February 19.

During the meeting, the student representatives explained the difficulties they are currently facing, the future tasks the parliament will have to do and the government’s responses and effects.

“The UNA and the allied organisations fully supported the student protest against the national education law. The concerned authorities did not put pressure on the student protesters and did not use violent method. We are willing to urge the Union parliament to speedily approve the national education amendment bill,” the officials of the UNA and the allied organisations said.

“The entire people of the country and all allied organisations of the UNA supported our protest march. What we urgently need is monetary assistance. But we welcome any assistance,” Zeyar Lwin, the student representative, said.

The main column of students from Mandalay continued their march despite the government’s promise to have the controversial National Education Law amended. On February 15, they reached Minhla Township in Bago Region, which is about 100 km from Yangon. 

“We heard that the government mainly discussed legal matters and they avoided discussing the student protest. If the parliament enacted the 11 points demanded by us, we may stop the march,’’ said student delegate Myat Thu.

The march continued despite the authorities’ threat that legal actions would be taken against the students if they reach Yangon.

The other two columns, originated in Ayeyawady and Monywa-Pakokku-Mawlamyaing-Dawei, are waiting for the parliament decision.

Some students in Ayeyawady last week erected temporary protest camps in Pathein and Maubin townships which are less than 65 km away from Yangon.

"Temporary camps are now open in Maubin and Pathein Townships," said Aung Kant Zaw from Ayeyawady Boycott column. "Members from the camps make up a committee. As we wait, the boycott will continue. Our first priority is to give education talks to the public. We will explain the agreements reached recently with the government as well as the contents of the education law and proposed amendments."

The student added that the protesters would also march to Pathein University and Pathein Technology University. They also plan to find a place in the universities where they can turn into protest camps. Meetings and discussions will be held at the temporary camps. 

National Network for Educational Reform (NNER), which plays a key role in the negotiation with the government, plans to hold discussions on the law and parliament activities with the students at the temporary camps. 

Aung Kant Zaw added that the committee would also consist of teachers and some student leaders. 

The temporary camps will mainly accommodate students from the townships, who will take care of the management. Protesters in general are welcomed to join.