Talks with BRN-led insurgents believed to ease violence in Thai far South

BANGKOK, June 14 (TNA) - A religious leader says that peace negotiations between the Thai government, through the National Security Council (NSC), and representatives of insurgent groups in the Thai far South, led by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) insurgency movement, should reduce violent incidents during Muslims' fasting month of Ramadan, set from July 7-August 7 this year. Nimu Makajay, an Islamic leader in the troubled Thai deep South, told reporters on Friday that he is grateful for the Thai government's negotiating team to bring demands of local people to the negotiation table, as the demands can also verify whether the BRN is able to command insurgency movements in the southernmost Thai region. Nimu stressed that insurgent attacks are highly inappropriate during Ramadan because, even in wars, attacks on people were suspended in the annual Muslim fasting month. Regarding a demand for the reduction in arrests of wrongdoers and people, Nimu suggested that wrongdoers are to face legal actions but, for unclear suspects, authorities should have discussions at the local level. Meanwhile, Thai Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said he had not yet received an official report on results of Thursday's third-round peace talks, but both sides reportedly agreed to reduce violence during Ramadan. Regarding five demands of the BRN-led insurgent side, General Prayuth noted that the Thai government’s southern command center will discuss them; while opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva urged the NSC to publicly elaborate the five demands of the BRN-led insurgent side. (TNA)