Govt urged to involve locals in peace push

Govt urged to involve locals in peace push

The government's next move in the deep South must be to talk to locals and restore peace and justice in the region after its landmark agreement to negotiate with rebels, observers say.

Srisompob Jitpiromsri, political science professor at Prince of Songkla University and director of DeepSouth Watch, said the signing of a peace talks deal between the National Security Council (NSC) and Malaysian-based representatives of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) militant group on Feb 28 was a positive step.

However, opportunities for local people from various walks of life to interact with the state were also important.

Civil society, which includes religious leaders, residents and civic movements, should play a greater role in building a "safety net" for the sustainability and inclusivity of the peace talks, the academic said.

Thanet Aphornsuvan, dean of the Pridi Banomyong International College's Asean Studies Programme, said the agreement was a breakthrough in attempts to quell southern violence.

He urged the government to follow a firm and united path and avoid inter-agency disputes that could derail the peace process.

Anukul Aweaputeh, president of the Muslim Attorney Centre Foundation, said the peace talks pact was welcome, but the government also needed to deal with real problems on the ground.

Apart from insurgency problems, authorities should also tackle injustice, Mr Anukul said.

Implementation of special laws such as the Internal Security Act and the emergency decree were the main causes of human rights abuses and created resentment among residents, he said.

Security officials should be more discreet and gather better evidence before searching and arresting suspects.

Ismaael Teh, a Yala-based student activist, called the NSC-BRN peace talks pact a "sham" since attacks in Narathiwat and Yala have continued despite the deal.

"Those who signed the pact with the NSC looked like militant leaders who were active in the past. They don't look like leaders of the current movement.

"The question is why the government doesn't pursue talks within [the country]," said the 28-year-old, who is suing the army and the Defence Ministry for allegedly detaining and torturing him in 2008.

Mr Ismaael said active BRN leaders were in Thailand and urged authorities to locate them, rather than talk to people based outside the country.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT