Narinjara News, 10 May  2022

Muslim students have now been allowed to study at Sittwe University after a decade. Students from theMuslim community were earlier preventedfrom attending the classes in the premier university after 2012 Rakhine communal riots.

Meanwhile, six Muslim students incluidng a girl have enrolled their names in Sittwe University on 9 May.The current 2022 academic year of theuniversity is beginning from 12 May.

Soon after the sectarian unrest in Rakhine State ten yaersback, Muslim students were allowedonly to join in distance courses.

Rakhine Students' Union and the aspiring Muslim studentshave initiated to enroll their names for the day courses in SittweUniversity, said a Muslim student named Zaw Min Tun.
"Previously, we were not allowed to enroll in SittweUniversity’s normal classes. Thisyear, we have done it. For the last few years we were demanding for the same. The authority even said thatRakhine people refused to acceptit,” he added.

After the 2012 sectarian clashes, the government in 2017 set up three centers forMuslim students to study with the  distance learning arangemnts. The universities ofButhidaung, Maungdaw and Sittwe providedthe facilities.

However, the Muslim students got the oportunities to studyonly geography, history andBurmese language in the distance courses. Now they can enroll for the full-time classes.

U Kyaw Naing Oo, head of Sittwe University’s trainingdepartment stated that Muslimstudents could apply for admission in earlier occasion too.  But they avoided contacting the authority.This time, they have come forwardto join physical classes in the university.

“Muslim students are happy to get the opportunity. Thepolitical parties and also Rakhinepeople became more and more prejudicial toMuslims. Now the people of Rakhine State start recognizing each other,” added Zaw Min Tun.