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Published on September 10, 2007

People in Yaha, Krong Pinang and Bannang Sata have been unable to leave their homes between 8pm and 4am since March 16.

The lifting of the curfew was a relaxation for Muslims that would allow them to perform their religious activities during the holy month, Wiroj said.

"If the situation improved after Ramadan, the military would lift the curfew permanently," he said.

Local religious leaders praised the military's decision and said the move showed the authorities understood cultural conditions so that local Muslims would support the government's efforts to contain violence.

"It is the right decision and Muslims will learn that authorities have a better understanding about their condition," said Nimu Makajeh, former deputy chairman of Yala province's Islamic Committee.

During Ramadan, Muslims need to get out of their homes to perform a religious service in mosques after 9pm every day, another religious leader said on condition of anonymity. The curfew suspension would not affect security measures to maintain order in the restive region, he said.

The three districts were placed under curfew as a security measure to contain violence after officials militants conducted fierce operations in the areas.

Besides the curfew, authorities also launched South Protection Operation to arrest suspects in the region. A five-hour operation netted 69 suspects yesterday in Narathiwat's Rusoh district as more than 250 soldiers and police combined to raid 18 locations.

Abdul Rapha Salaelu and Marohpee Marae, prime suspects in many murder cases, were among those arrested. Three women were also arrested.

Officials also confiscated a number of items including a shotgun, pistols and ammunition for an AK-47 rifle and a shotgun.

Authorities believe the arrests will ease the security situation because key militants are under detention.

Two rangers were injured in an ambush in Narathiwat's Rangae district at about 11am yesterday while travelling to collect security information. Private Asevan Samuyama and Private Manapee Salaeh were injured as militants fired at their pickup truck from the roadside.

Boonsom Thongsriplai, president of Pattani Teachers Federation, announced yesterday that nearly 80 public schools would reopen today after closing for a week following the deaths of senior educators in the province.

Authorities had guaranteed safety for teachers and stepped up security measures, he said.