Military intimidates Deep South peace activists, civil society workers

The military in the restive Deep South on Friday searched and collected DNA samples of civil society workers without warrants after about 20 peace activists were earlier detained.

According to Wartani, a citizen media group based in Patani region, the authorities on Friday attempted to search at least two civil society organizations in Narathiwat.   

Between around 10.30 am and 12.30 pm, the Centre for Melayu-Patani Culture (BUMI), whose goal is to restore and promote the Patani culture, was searched. The military collected DNA samples, took photos, questioned, and asked for the Facebook profile and phone number of everyone present at the centre at the time. 

Around noon, the military also attempted to search the Association of Women in Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces (PERWANI), an all-women’s organization aiding women and children affected by the decades-long conflict in the Deep South. Since only one woman member was at the office at the time of the attempted search, she did not open the door for the military and the military then decided to leave. 

“I’d like to ask for a statement from the authorities. This is an organization working with women and babies. Can’t they leave us alone?” said Rusada Sadeng, Vice President of Perwani.

Meanwhile, a group of student activists and villagers from the Federation of Students in Thailand’s Border Provinces (PerMas) on Friday gathered in front of the three military camps where about 20 peace activists are detained and urged the military to release them. 

Since Thursday, the military have detained about 20 people in the restive southern province of Narathiwat with no explanation given. The arrests and searches are believed to be related to last week’s extrajudicial killing of 4 youths.  

According to Wartani, the 22 civilians are affiliated with Princess of Naradhiwas University. Their detention came after the military blockaded and searched four dormitories around the University in the early morning of Thursday. DNA samples of the detainees were also collected at the scene without presenting any court order. 

According to the latest report, they are not allowed to contact family members or lawyers. Their condition is unknown. BBC Thai Service on Friday reported that six people have been released. 

On 26 March, the military shot dead four unarmed civilians in a raid in Tung Yang Daeng District of Narathiwat.  

According to Khaosod English, the police initially told the media that two of the four men killed in the raid belonged to the RKK, one of several militant groups behind the Islamic insurgency, but later said that none of the deceased had any pre-existing records or arrest warrants related to separatist violence. 

According to Wartani, two of the four were merely university students, and the two others were drug addicts. The raid came after villagers gathered to help a family building a house.  

 

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