16 June 2026 – Amidst a volatile security landscape in Chin State, nearly 3,000 students in Falam township began a series of placement examinations on 15 June, marking a significant effort to reintegrate children into the formal education system for the 2026-2027 academic year.
The placement exams, organized by the SSPC’s Falam Township Education Department, address a critical barrier for local youth: a three-year gap in schooling that has rendered many students ineligible for the transfer certificates typically required for re-enrollment.
With a large number of children displaced or unable to attend classes due to ongoing regional instability, this special assessment program provides a pathway for primary and middle school students to resume their studies.
The initiative takes place against a backdrop of prolonged fighting in the Falam-Kalay region, which has been characterized by intermittent skirmishes, airstrikes, and significant population displacement. The educational environment has been severely impacted by these hostilities, with reports of schools being targeted and students forced to flee their homes.
Despite these challenges, SSPC local administrative efforts have demonstrated signs of community resilience. Recent logistical developments may have facilitated this educational drive. On 4 June, humanitarian convoys—facilitated by the State Security and Peace Commission (SSPC)—delivered essential supplies, including school and office materials, to Falam town.
These supplies were intended to support local infrastructure reconstruction and sustain civil servants and residents, potentially stabilizing the environment for administrative tasks like examinations.
Examination schedule and logistics
The examinations are currently being conducted across eight designated centers, ensuring accessibility for students in the township. The centers include:
- Basic Education High School No. 2 (Falam town)
- Lumbang
- Valung
- Suangdo
- Khuabuar
- Congthe
- Lumte
- Webula
To manage the high volume of participants, the township education department has staggered the testing schedule based on grade levels:
- 15 June: Students in Grades 1–3.
- 19 June: Students in Grades 4–5.
- 20 June: Students in Grades 6–8.
While initial registration figures exceeded 3,000, current reports indicate that the actual number of examinees is slightly lower due to absenteeism. Local educators and administrators continue to monitor the situation, balancing the urgent need for educational continuity with the persistent security risks facing the region. – Reporting by Daniel
