WGJP no.005/2010, 21 April 2010
Today, 21 April 2010, two bomb explosions occurred at the lawn in front of the Muang Pattani Police Station. First, the grenades were thrown by two unknown parties toward police officials who were attending the morning anthem causing one death and more than 40 injuries among the officials. One police official, Major Col. Kumanthana Banchamana (woman), Inspector of Civil Affairs, suffers severe injuries. Then on the same day, a car bomb occurred around 10.30 at the parking lot 20 meters away from the Muang Pattani Police Station causing five injuries including innocent passersby. The grave incidences happened despite the strong measures meted out by the Army Region 4 Forward including the inspection of all passing vehicles. All vehicles in the Deep South are required to carry stickers issued by the army.
It was yet another inhumane incidence to discredit the police as law enforcement officers who are supposed to protect peoples lives and properties. It shall instigate more anger and induce vengeance as well as cause deeper mistrust between the officials and local people.
Working Group on Justice for Peace would like to convey our deepest sorrows to the families of those who have died or got injured including public officials and other people as well as to Forward Royal Thai Police Operations Centre. We condemn the perpetrators and the mastermind of these heinous actions against innocent lives.
WGJP also want to put forward the following demands to the Forward Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 and all sectors;
1. An inquiry into the incidences has to begin based on fairness. We urge that all those witnessing the events cooperate with the officials in order to bring to justice the perpetuators while effective witness protection is put in place.
2. Rather than militaristic tactics, the state should rely on political means to solve the problems through public participation. Officials at all levels shall exercise their genuine belief in nonviolence and the rule of law, open spaces for dialogue with people from all sectors in order to get to hear problems from them and to allow them to have a role in solving their own problems.
3. The ISOC Region 4 has to explain clearly to public why explosive materials could get through stringent search and security measures.
4. People in the Southern border provinces should reiterate their stand against violence from any party. All parties should be demanded to stand down from any action that cause harm to lives and properties of innocent people including officials and civilians.
WGJP would like to convey our moral support to all public officials who have been performing their role with patience and tolerance to uphold the rule of law and non-violence. Justice shall not prevail; trust and peace shall not reign, should there be no mutual trust and genuine participation from local people.
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Contact: Angkhana Neelapaijit +66 84 728 0350
Puttanee Kangkun +66 86 332 1249
Working Group on Justice for Peace
24/158 Soi. Ladpharo 21, Ladphrao Rd., Ladphrao, Jatujak, BKK 10900
Tel. 0 2975 9975
Email: wgjp.bkk@gmail.com
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