Islamic leader condemns attacks

The Defence Minister and the Chularatchamontri (Sheikhul Islam) have jointly called for peace in the deep South and rejected the use of violence in the name of Islam.

- AEKARACH SATTABURUTH MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, met Chularatchamontri Arun Boonchom yesterday to discuss ways to end the ongoing unrest in the three southern border provinces of Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani. The hour-long meeting, held at the Office of the Chularatchamontri in Bangkok, focused on concerns over recent violent incidents and the misuse of religion to justify attacks on civilians.

Mr Phumtham said he sought the Chularatchamontri's perspective as a religious leader with deep insight into the sentiments of the Muslim community — something state authorities may lack. Both sides agreed that Islam, like all religions, opposes violence and condemns the killing of innocent people. “Misusing religion to justify murder is a distortion of Islamic teachings and must be clearly rejected,” Mr Phumtham said.