Grade 12 Students in Paletwa District Can Choose Between Arakanese and Myanmar Languages

News ၊ September 9, 2026

The Arakan National Education Department has announced an official stance that Grade 12 students in Paletwa District, can choose to study either Arakanese or Myanmar language based on their preference.

It is reported that the Arakan National Education Department will replace the previous Myanmar language curriculum with a new Arakanese language curriculum for school education across Arakan region under the control of the Arakan Army (AA), including Paletwa District.

However, regarding the new Grade 12 Arakanese language curriculum in Paletwa District under AA control, the Arakan National Education Department has drafted a new policy specifying that not all students are forced to take the new Arakanese curriculum; instead, they can freely select either Arakanese or Myanmar language based on their own desire.

According to the statement from the Arakan National Education Department, there are currently 158 Grade 12 students studying in Paletwa District.

Among them, there are 138 Arakanese students, 16 Khumi students, 3 Dainet students, and 1 Mro student currently enrolled.

Currently, regarding the drafting of the new Grade 12 Arakanese language curriculum by the Arakkha Government for Grade 12 students across the Arakan region including Paletwa District, propaganda narratives aiming to divide the Arakanese and Chin ethnic peoples are being spread.

However, the Arakan National Education Department stated its position that it is undertaking these measures in ULA/AA-controlled territories so that local residents can think modernly in economic, health, and educational spheres, and to ensure that everyone of school age has the opportunity to pursue education.

Although Grade 12 classes in other townships across the Arakan region have been taught using the new Arakanese language curriculum since late August, the substitution has not yet been implemented in Paletwa District. Nevertheless, the majority of parents of students there expressed a desire for Arakanese language instruction.

"Among the children studying here, Arakanese students make up the largest number. Since Arakanese is currently being used as the official working language here, as a parent, I want them to teach the new Arakanese language curriculum," a local parent from Paletwa told.

On September 6, the Global Khumi Organization (GKO) issued a statement condemning the news regarding the teaching of the Grade 12 Arakanese language curriculum, citing a disconnect with the ground situation. However, local residents in Paletwa stated that the GKO statement consists of views out of touch with ground realities and amounts to racial divide-and-rule propaganda that creates division among ethnic brothers.

Source@ONN