'No BRN link' to Yala blasts

'No BRN link' to Yala blasts

Prawit vows peace talks will continue

Bomb blasts in Yala on Tuesday that injured seven people are not linked to a Barisan Revolusi National (BRN) demand for the release of militant suspects, according to Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.

The BRN, one of the main groups in the separatist movement in the Muslim-dominated far South, reportedly wants the government to release suspects in security cases as a condition for resuming peace talks.

This has nothing to do with the bomb blasts, Gen Prawit said, insisting the government will also continue pursuing peace negotiations with Mara Patani, the insurgent umbrella organisation that includes the BRN.

Deputy army chief Nattapol Nakpanich, also assistant director of the Internal Security Operations Command, agreed with Gen Prawit, saying the bombings held no special significance.

"They're also not connected with bombings in Bangkok," Gen Prawit added, referring to blasts in the capital and in Nonthaburi on Aug 2 which injured five people.

Police investigators have not yet concluded whether the Aug 2 incidents were linked to the southern unrest or were politically motivated.

Gen Prawit yesterday said authorities need more time to hunt for the masterminds behind the Yala bombings.

The bombs exploded on Tuesday night in four Yala districts -- Muang, Yaha, Bannang Sata and Than To. Car tyres were also set alight.

Seven people were confirmed injured, including children.

The first blast took place at 7.10pm by a roadside power pole in Yaha district, injuring two villagers and causing a power blackout.

About 10 minutes later another blast damaged a telephone signal tower in Bannang Sata district, but caused no injuries. Car tyres were also set alight on Road 410 in the district.

About the same time, a third bomb damaged a power pole in Muang district, causing no injuries.

In Than To district, a bomb exploded at a Krungthai Bank ATM in tambon Mae Wad around 8.15pm.

Five people -- three girls and two adults -- were hurt in that blast, while another bomb exploded outside a grocery store nearby causing no injuries.

The violence will not hinder talks with Mala Patani and "we are even considering suggesting one more safe zone", Gen Prawit said in relation to the talks.

Authorities had earlier planned proposing five districts in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat be declared safe zones, free of violence, in bid to produce a more significant outcome in the negotiations with the rebel groups.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT