Emergency decree ‘satisfactory so far’
Published on September 18, 2005 - But enforcement officers will get manners lesson. Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Vanasatidya said yesterday he was satisfied with the enforcement of the government’s emergency decree in the deep South after it had been in place for two months. “The enforcement of the state-of-emergency decree proceeds satisfactorily,” he said. However, security officials will try to foster a better understanding with local residents regarding enforcement of the decree, he said.
“I have instructed authorities to mind their manners, in words and posture, as they are obliged to clearly explain relevant laws to local residents,” he said.
The decree was enacted in July, and its emergency provisions will expire in one more month unless renewed by the government.
Opposition and Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva called on the government to report to Parliament on enforcement of the decree every three months.
“A quarterly report would allow lawmakers to scrutinise the results of the decree’s enforcement,” he said, “though I am not sure if the government will agree to supervision by Parliament.”
Leading figures in the South yesterday expressed support for an extension of the emergency decree as long as it led to the restoration of normalcy.
Nivet Sirichai, chairman of the Yala Tourism Business Association, said enforcement of the decree had yet to reduce the number of violent incidents.
“In the one month before the decree is up for renewal, the authorities should intensify enforcement to bring about positive change,” he said.
Nivet said he supported effective law enforcement to ensure safety and restore business confidence in the deep South.
“The present situation offers no hope,” he said. “Business operators are having to rely on cash transactions because the credit system has been disrupted by the violence.”
Wichan Atikapan, chairman of the Southern Teachers’ Confederation, said teachers remained a top target for violent attacks.
“I believe it is too early to evaluate or cancel the decree’s provisions. The government may need more than three months for it to start showing results,” he said.
Abdulroni Kahama, an adviser to Islamic religious schools, urged the government to explain the emergency provisions to villagers.
“A vast number of villagers still do not understand about the state of emergency, and authorities should dispel their doubts before renewing the decree,” he said. |
