ID :
65821
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 12:26
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/65821
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Thai Army chief rules out talks with insurgents in restive South
BANGKOK, June 15 (TNA)- Thai army chief General Anupong Paochinda on Monday dismissed the possibility that the army would seek to negotiate with insurgents in the southern border provinces, while reaffirming the current political-based approach in dealing with insurgency in the strife-torn region is on the right track.
"It is impossible for the military to enter talks with any separatist group as it would violate the country's Constitution. Any talks with those who commit criminal crimes against the people is out of question as it is also against (Thailand’s) criminal laws," Gen. Anupong told journalists when asked about any possible talks with insurgents in restive South.
The army chief made the comments in the wake of intensifying violence – on an almost daily basis -- in the troubled region following last Monday's mosque shooting in Narathiwat's Cho Ai Rong district where gunmen killed 10 Muslim villagers while performing evening prayers inside the mosque at Ai Payae village.
Gen. Anupong said the probe into the incident was under way with forensic science being applied with available witnesses and physical evidence.
“The current approach is on the right track", he said, referring to a development-based approach focused on multi-dimensional development in economy, education, social and cultural development. "There is no other ways, including the military crackdown, to end the insurgency."
Violence, however, continues unabated as the latest violent attack took place early Monday in Pattani province.
Pattani police superintendent Pol. Col. Vallop Chamnongasa said a school janitor was shot dead while riding his motorcycle to school.
The victim was identified as Prom Vichienrat, 59. He was shot with a handgun with two gunshot wounds in his torso.
At least two gunmen made off with his .38 caliber pistol. Preliminary investigation suggested it was the work of presumed insurgents who wanted to take the victim's weapon. (TNA)
"It is impossible for the military to enter talks with any separatist group as it would violate the country's Constitution. Any talks with those who commit criminal crimes against the people is out of question as it is also against (Thailand’s) criminal laws," Gen. Anupong told journalists when asked about any possible talks with insurgents in restive South.
The army chief made the comments in the wake of intensifying violence – on an almost daily basis -- in the troubled region following last Monday's mosque shooting in Narathiwat's Cho Ai Rong district where gunmen killed 10 Muslim villagers while performing evening prayers inside the mosque at Ai Payae village.
Gen. Anupong said the probe into the incident was under way with forensic science being applied with available witnesses and physical evidence.
“The current approach is on the right track", he said, referring to a development-based approach focused on multi-dimensional development in economy, education, social and cultural development. "There is no other ways, including the military crackdown, to end the insurgency."
Violence, however, continues unabated as the latest violent attack took place early Monday in Pattani province.
Pattani police superintendent Pol. Col. Vallop Chamnongasa said a school janitor was shot dead while riding his motorcycle to school.
The victim was identified as Prom Vichienrat, 59. He was shot with a handgun with two gunshot wounds in his torso.
At least two gunmen made off with his .38 caliber pistol. Preliminary investigation suggested it was the work of presumed insurgents who wanted to take the victim's weapon. (TNA)
