An independent lawmaker from Rakhine state is pushing the government to provide education to thousands of students who live in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in seven townships where they lack access to classes, RFA reported.

Legislator Khin Maung Latt told the Rakhine state parliament Tuesday that more than 5,000 children among about 50,000 civilians displaced by armed conflict and living in temporary camps should be enrolled in schools during the academic year.

Fighting between the Myanmar military and the Arakan Army (AA)has driven tens of thousands of villagers from their homes in northern Rakhine and in neighbouring Chin state’s Paletwa township.

Rakhine ethnic women and children, who fled from conflict areas, are seen at War Myat Hall village's temporary camp in Ponnagyun Township, northern Rakhine State, western Myanmar. Photo: EPA