Villagers training for self-defence in Narathiwat

NARATHIWAT, July 27 (TNA) – Police are training residents here to properly use firearms to protect themselves from insurgent attacks in their violence-plagued province of Narathiwat.

Villagers in Rangae district participated in practicing gun-handling skills on Monday.

Fifteen police officers, led by Pol. Col. Chote Chawanwiwat, Deputy Commander of Rangae police station, instructed villagers in basic weapons skills including practice in hitting targets.

The police said they expected the course would be useful for local residents to provide for their self defence as most are fruit sellers and must travel to buy fruit at remote orchards where insurgent attacks may occur.

Meanwhile, in the nearby province of Pattani, LCpl. Surachai Silanan was killed in a clash between government personnel and presumed insurgents Sunday evening. Corporal Surachai was shot during a government raid against a target in Khok Pho district. One suspected insurgent was killed and another two were wounded.

Authorities granted the late L/Cpl. Surachai’s family a bravery medal and Bt500,000 in cash assistance. Buddhist bathing rites were conducted at a temple in Pattani Monday morning and the victim’s body was later flown to his hometown in the northeastern province of Surin by army aircraft for the funeral. (TNA)