Southern militants distort culture and religion : PM
Southern militants who flared up the restive south put local historical pain and unique identity due to different culture and religion to spur violence in the predominantly Muslim region, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said Wednesday.
Prime Minister Surayud told Thai envoys to member countries of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) at the foreign ministry that wrong policies made by previous government was a key factor to escalate the violence.There was neither foreign elements nor internal terrorists involved in the south but situation in Islamic world such as Iraq and Israel reminded local Muslims felt like they were being suppressed, he added. "That's the reason why militants in the deep south put religious context into their campaign to call attention from Islamic world," Surayud said. The premier suggested a strategy to contain violence in the deep south by separating militants from supporters and sympathisers. "We have to eliminate conditions which the militants could claim support from local resident like separate fish from water," he said. For those who commit violence, they must face tough legal actions, he added. The government would employ peaceful approach in dealing with the situation in the south of which to dedicate local participation, justice, economic development as well as education and social development, he said. The government deemed southern violence as local trouble but ambassadors and consulates in foreign countries were necessary as militants tried to bring foreign elements into the region. "We need understanding and cooperation from foreign countries," he said.
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