Despite ongoing instability in Lashio, the capital of Northern Shan State, junta-controlled authorities are preparing to reopen Lashio University, according to local students.

Residents said the military council, which regained control of Lashio from the Kokang MNDAA with Chinese mediation, plans to reopen Lashio University—located in the town center—for regular day-class students starting on November 24.

An official staff member told SHAN that preparations were underway but raised concerns about the condition of the campus.

“They said it will open on the 24th, and that’s when we’ll know how many students show up. Cleaning is ongoing. Many people were killed and injured when heavy weapons and bombs fell inside the university compound. Only a few buildings have been repaired; the whole campus is not fully ready,” the staff member said.

Lashio University and other higher education institutions in the township had been closed for two years due to fighting in Northern Shan State. Student registration resumed on November 17.

A young person currently in Lashio told SHAN that some students had returned, while many others had not.

“Some students have already returned to the dormitory. Others haven’t returned yet. A banner has been posted announcing the reopening date. Students from Muse and Namhkam will also be in attendance. But many of our friends are now working or running businesses, so they won’t be coming back,” he said.

Students say ongoing tension between junta forces and the MNDAA has left them worried about road safety, housing, and rising living costs, particularly food prices.

Since Lashio is included in the first phase of the junta’s planned sham election, students also fear they may be pressured to cast advance votes.

Meanwhile, the Government Technological Institute (GTI) has been relocated and reopened near BEHS (1) in Lashio, which is under military control, but attendance remains low.

However, institutions located in MNDAA-controlled areas—including the Education Degree College, the Nursing and Midwifery Training School, Lashio Technological University (Hopeik Village), and Lashio Computer University (Maehan Village)—have not yet reopened.

During Operation 1027 in late 2023, day-class students from universities in Lashio were instructed to transfer to institutions in other towns due to escalating conflict. Many transferred to universities in Taunggyi, Panglong, Mandalay, and Yangon.

In July 2024, during the battle for Lashio between the MNDAA and allied forces, heavy weapons and rockets struck the Lashio University compound near the Northeast Regional Military Command. Numerous classrooms, including the newly built Convocation Hall, were severely damaged.