Pattani Islamic Council Deputy Chief Dies From Shooting Injuries

PATTANI, June 11 (Bernama) -- Pattani Islamic Religious Council deputy president Aduldej Cheknae who was seriously injured after being shot by unknown assailants two days, ago died earlier on Sunday morning. The Council’s secretary Solahuddin Yusuf, who confirmed his death, said he died at the Pattani Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at about 2.45 am (local time). He said the Aduldej’s remains were laid to rest at the Kampung Anak Bukit Lalo Muslim cemetery here after the funeral prayer at Pondok Lalo Wittaya Mosque attended by some 10,000 residents and local leaders. Aduldej was also the director of Lalo Wittaya Pondok Religious School here. Aduldej, whose Malay name is Adul Abdul Rasheed, 55, was seriously injured after he was shot by two unknown men on a motorcycle while on his way home from Friday prayers at the Pondok Lalo Wittaya Mosque. According to Pattani Police Chief Maj Gen Piyawat Chalermsi, the attackers shot Aduldej thrice, with the bullets hitting his cheek and head. The southern of Thailand has been faced with an insurgency since 2004 that has claimed the lives of about 7,000 people, according to a study by Deep South Watch. -- BERNAMA