The 4th Army Region yesterday allayed concerns about the proposed enforcement of a curfew in the restive South, saying existing laws were adequate to handle the violence.
Udomchai: Situation is under control
Fourth Army commander Udomchai Thamsarorach said the situation did not justify the imposition of a curfew.
Lt Gen Udomchai's remark came after local religious leaders voiced disagreement with the proposal.
Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat this week said a curfew was being considered for the deep South probably after the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
The proposal was floated after a spate of insurgent attacks including a car bomb attack near a hotel in Pattani town on Tuesday night and the shooting of six soldiers in Pattani's Mayo district.
Lt Gen Udomchai said the curfew was among legal mechanisms being considered in attempts to tighten security.
``Authorities have been asked to decide if it is needed. So far the people don't pose obstacles to our security operations. So a curfew is unnecessary,'' he said.
Dr Wan-abdul-kadir Wae-mustafa, a Muslim leader in Yala, yesterday voiced concerns that a curfew would affect the Muslim way of life especially in the fasting month of Ramadan.
He said a curfew would restrict Muslim people from going to mosques to perform their religious duty.
Dr Wan yesterday led a group of representatives from Islamic religious schools in the southern provinces to meet Lt Gen Udomdej to give moral support to the army.
Pattana Islamic Committee president Due-ramae Mamingji said existing laws were effective in dealing with the situation.
He said a curfew would cause inconvenience to locals and would not assist authorities in handling violence.
Army spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd yesterday said there was no need to panic because a curfew had not yet been imposed.
He said if a curfew was to be enforced, it would be limited and intended to provide safety for the public.
He also defended the army's policy of rotating troops in the deep South every year.
``It is a stressful job. So, one year is deemed appropriate to keep them fresh,'' he said.
Meanwhile, security authorities have identified four vehicles suspected to be modified as car bombs, a source said.
``There are four vehicles which have been fitted with bombs and ready for use. Surveillance is being intensified,'' the source said.
The source said the recent car bombs have emphasised the need for authorities to step up screening of vehicles at their checkpoints. Garages will also be examined for security concerns.
The source said security is also being boosted for senior government officials said to be targeted by insurgents.
It was reported that the 4th Army has also ordered deployment of troops and artillery in Pattani and Narathiwat to counter insurgent attacks. The soldiers and the weapons are from an army artillery unit in Songkhla.